As I study, read and learn more and more each day, I’m craving interaction on topics and thoughts that really inspire me. I’d like to believe that you, my dear reader, are equally seeking inspiration and would love this convo opened up more regularly here on my blog, too. So, without further ado, here’s tonight’s thought to ponder and discuss in the comments:
“You cannot find yourself by going into the past. You find yourself by coming into the present.” – Eckhart Tolle, Practicing the Power of Now, pg. 56
Beautiful image by Ester Miguez via Flickr
According to Tolle, the Present is the only reality that truly exists. Both the past and future are mirages, only available in memory or imagination.
I really resonated with this quote, especially as I’ve been increasing my capacity to live more in the present over the past 8+ months. I feel like I’ve found my True self. I used to think that if I understood my past more, I would find myself and know who I truly was. However, I see now that the past is simply a story about what I’ve experienced. It doesn’t define the Truth of who I really am.
Now, the game has changed to simply uncovering the Truth of who I really am by experiencing life in the Now. Life is full of vibrancy, color, joy, fascination and bliss. I go through my day feeling more at one with my life, those within it – especially my children and husband – and the world around me. The sunlight fills me. I am found within my family’s love, laughter, tears and connection. The True “me” comes alive in the present. I could have never experienced the Truth of who I am without first becoming present. When I am present, my life is a wonderful adventure and I am complete, whole and filled within it.
Best of all, I know who I am because I am sure of Who’s I am (God’s).
What resonates for you with this thought? What does it make you think about? What does it make you want to shift in your life? Does it inspire or overwhelm you? I’m dying to hear what you think! :)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I find that thought very freeing. I love what you wrote about your past being just a bunch of stories of what you have done and where you have been. It doesn’t have to define us right now though. We can be whoever we want to be from here on out. Starting with right now. … Figuring out who we want to be is a different story though. :) Thanks for sharing!
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I have always live in tomorrow. (Maybe because I am named Annie? Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love you Tomorrow?) Anyway, I have always lived in the hopes and dreams of Tomorrow. I will really try tomorrow, I will count my calories tomorrow, I will Start exersizing tomorrow, Tomorrow I will do better, When I am skinny I will really be myself, When I have a house, a new car, a better job, more kids, etc. I Have realized that all we have is right now! Even five minutes ago is in the past. I can make my life everything I dreamed of RIGHT now by deciding to live right now. If I think of something I want to do I do it right then. I try to not procrastinate. If my last meal wasn’t great, I leave it in the past and eat this meal healthy. I try not to think of what did or will happen rather what is happening. I tell my kids I love them now, tell my husband he is important now, tell myself I am enough right now. I love you Quinn! Thank you for helping me WAKE UP!
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I’m taking this along a little different lines than I think its been applied but it still hit me in a similar way. I just went through a break-up. The guy I thought I was going to marry is now not speaking to me whatsoever. Its so hard not to dwell on the past, trying to figure out what happened, wishing that things would go back. All I was worried about was us, a unit together, but as I have come to the present (somewhat at least, I am definitely not completely there yet) I have started to focus on myself. Trying to figure out all the unique aspects that make up me. I have always loved your blogs about living blissfully and living life in the present. They have and are still helping me make many positive changes in my life. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences! :)
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I like projects.
I find purpose in getting things done.
Slowly and patiently God’s Spirit and my husbands: “why can’t you enjoy anything?”
showed me that I was always thinking about what can I do now, to feel better later. On top of that, I was constantly day dreaming about when the girls get older.
That made for one angry Mama.
Each day really is a gift, and it quickly passes.
When I do get to that project, I now try to enjoy doing it, and I have come to realization that kids in school does not equal easier.
Good post,
Leah
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