Moving Deeply into the Present

The challenges posed by the mind cannot be resolved at the mental level. Dysfunction arises when one seeks identity in thoughts, mistaking them for the true self. The essential truth lies in dissolving the illusion of time. Time and thought are intertwined; when you eliminate time from thought, it ceases—unless you choose otherwise. Time is not a precious commodity; rather, it is an illusion. What you truly value is the singular moment that transcends time: the Now. The more you dwell on past and future, the more you overlook the Now, which is the most invaluable aspect of existence.

The past and future derive their existence from the Now. Throughout history, spiritual leaders from various traditions have emphasized the importance of the Now in accessing the spiritual realm. Suffering requires time, as it cannot exist in the present moment.

“Time is what keeps the light from reaching us. There is no greater obstacle to God than time.” — Meister Eckhart

When you notice the brilliance of a tree, for instance, you step outside of time momentarily. In doing so, you experience the tree devoid of mental filters. This awareness of Being enriches your perception. With this timeless awareness comes a profound understanding that honors the sacredness of life rather than diminishes it. This kind of understanding eludes the mind, which can only grasp factual information about the tree or a person, rather than the essence of their Being.

Through self-awareness, you can naturally enhance your presence in life. The instant you realize your lack of presence, you are present. Observing your thoughts and emotions as a detached watcher allows you to break free from mental entrapment. Identification with thoughts fuels them, while observation siphons off their energy. The enlightened individual maintains focus on the Now.

Believing in a future paradise often results in a current state of despair. Reflect on how this mental pattern manifests in your life. Are you constantly striving to be somewhere other than where you are? Is your activity merely a means to an end? Does fulfillment always seem just out of reach? Are you preoccupied with achieving or chasing new thrills? Do you think that accumulating more will make you feel complete? In this mindset, life loses its vibrancy and wonder.

Your level of presence shapes your consciousness. All negative psychological pressures stem from ignoring the present moment. Liberation cannot be found in the future. True freedom arises from presence, which can only be accessed in the Now. Your life unfolds in time, but your essence is realized in the present.

Find the "narrow gate that leads to life"—the Now. Focus on this moment. Your life situation may be rife with challenges, but inquire whether you face any real problems right now. Not tomorrow or in an hour, but at this very moment. Do you have a problem now?

Engage your senses fully. Be present where you are. Observe your surroundings without judgment. Appreciate the light, shapes, colors, and textures. Acknowledge the silent presence of all that exists. Listen to sounds without labeling them, and perceive the silence beneath them. Touch something, and recognize its Being. Feel the rhythm of your breath, experiencing the life force within you. Accept everything as it is, both inside and outside. Dive deeply into the Now.

This marks the awakening from the illusion of time into the present moment. Ultimately, this journey isn't about solving problems; it's about recognizing that problems do not truly exist. Instead, there are situations to address in the Now or to accept as part of the present until they change or can be managed.

When your attention is anchored in the Now, you cannot have a problem. You may encounter situations that require resolution or acceptance, but why label them as problems? The mind unconsciously clings to problems for a sense of identity.

If you don't feel joy and lightness in your actions, you're likely not grounded in the Now. You don't need to alter what you're doing; it may suffice to change your approach. The "how" of your actions is always more crucial than the "what."

So, do not fixate on the outcome of your efforts—focus instead on the act itself. The results will unfold organically. When your attention shifts to the Now, you will experience a sense of peace and stillness.

In the absence of psychological time, your sense of self emerges from your Being, not from your past. Consequently, the need to become something other than who you are dissipates, freeing you from the fear that often accompanies desire.

Thank you for taking the time to engage with these thoughts; your presence is appreciated. For more uplifting messages like this, feel free to interact (up to 50 times), subscribe, and follow. Wishing you all joyful dreams, my dear friends.

Tyler C. Newman

Sources: The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle