December 30, 2015 By Admin

About Being in the Present Moment

The Meaning of the Present Moment in Mindfulness & Meditation

Many mindfulness and meditation experts have commented on the meaning of the present moment. Below I have noted some of the ideas presented by Eckhart Tolle. In some cases I have added my own interpretations.

What is the Present Moment? What is the experience about? Here are some ideas to consider. The present moment is:

Being in the here now, when it is happening;
Resting in the consciousness of mind-awareness;
Realization of a deeper, more clear moment-to-moment experience;
Being with your personal essential self – your original nature;
Feeling one with the unified consciousness of all things;
Knowing your life in NOW and NOT in the past or in the future;
When you cannot live present-mindedly, you crave what you had in the past or hope for in the future;
Remaining present-minded implies you can deal better with your experiences without past/future desires;
As attention and concentration in the present strengthens, you realize nothing is missing;
Practice finding inner peace in the spaces and silences between your breaths and between your thoughts;
Radically accept the vibrations of the present experience so your brain-mind-heart-body-spirit calms;
Find the present by finding the observer who is the present moment – the perceiver-you is present;
Use your higher self to remain present without evaluation – no matter what is happening now;
Breathe slowly and deeply to discover the center of experience here now; and,
Use the present as a guide, helping you to reduce desire for past ideals and future expectations.

For more information refer to Tolle, E. (2007). The Art of Presence. Boulder, CO: Sounds True [CDs]. Also visit www.eckharttolle.com

By Anthony R. Quintiliani, PhD., LADC

From the Eleanor R. Liebman Center for Secular Meditation in Monkton, Vermont

Author of Mindful Happiness

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