Bliss – the art of living in the present

In today’s fast-paced world, we find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of past memories and future aspirations, forgetting to savour the beauty of the present moment. The desires of tomorrow and the echoes of yesterday often dominate our thoughts, leaving us disconnected from the simple joy of living in the now.

While time is seen as having three dimensions – past, present, and future – in reality, it is one-dimensional. Tomorrow never comes. It always manifests itself as the present. Future is just a product of imagination or desires. The past, too, is nothing more than memories, often resulting in either disappointments or resistance to change. The only reality in our hands is the present. Living in the present requires a conscious effort to break free from the chains of past regrets or the fear of future uncertainties. Often, it takes a thrilling experience to jolt us into the present, but these moments are fleeting. We have to keep looking for thrills in life because our search for joy persists. Joy comes from embracing the now in all its simplicity, free from the bondage of expectations, guilt, fear, or the monotony of routine.

CURRENT ACTIONS

To live blissfully, we must learn to be fully aware and attentive to our current actions. We divide our attention for so long that it is tiring and challenging to be fully in the present action. We have to begin the practice with small, everyday activities. Whether it’s bathing, eating, or any simple activity, focus your mind entirely on the task at hand. When you eat, practise just eating, and enjoy each bite. Don’t allow your mind to plan other things at the time of eating. By training your mind to be in the present action, you start experiencing the profound joy that comes with living in the moment. When we do every action in totality, with an undivided mind, we start experiencing joy in the doing itself without waiting for external results or achievements to feel joyful. Each action gets transformed into a meditative experience, making meditation an integral part of your life. This shift from a mere 10-minute silent session to a continuous, mindful approach to living will infuse your actions with a new-found energy, preventing the drainage of energy associated with routine tasks.

Living in the present is the key to unlocking the door to bliss. By making a conscious effort to be fully present in every moment, we can bridge the gap between the past and the future, creating a harmonious, blissful existence in the present. Let us embark on the journey to live in the NOW and watch how the vibrant colours of bliss paint your everyday experiences.

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Center, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Email: kingston@jm.brahmakumaris.org. Or follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_meditation_jamaica