Now

Eckhart Tolle's, The Power of Now, focuses us on where our power lies.  Our generative ability is in the present moment.  The past is gone and the future is a mystery.  Where we have influence, where we can change, where we can make a difference is in the moment that exists for us now. The present moment is our touchpoint to ourselves, the Divine, and each other.  We experience God from where we are--yesterday's experience no longer exist and what we experience tomorrow will be in the now moment.  The same holds true for our relationship with others and the work we do for ourselves.

Deep within us, we know this is true.  However, it is a challenge to our will and strength to focus our concentration on the present action. It is easier to put off to tomorrow the work of today.  It is easier to dwell on past mistakes, than to act this very moment. But, right now is all we have so procrastination does not serve us.  When we say I'll eat clean tomorrow, I'll begin to relax tomorrow, I'll enjoy my partner tomorrow--tomorrow never comes in the way we want it to be. We find ourselves in the same place or even more behind when it comes to neglect of self or others.

Rejuvenation, growth, fun, opportunity is to be enjoyed now.  Take a relationship that is strained. Someone does something kind to another. Being in the now means taking the kindness offered in the moment.  The now is not recalling all the past failings or speculating that this change will not last.  To live whole, we take each gesture, each moment for what it is without putting layers of hurt or expectation on top of it.  In this way, we live whole, in the present.

The practice of living in the now is clearly illuminated by Tolle.  For those that want to dive in deep, read his book and you will not be disappointed. It is at Jolie, and a book I constantly recommend.  A baby step, however, is to begin with mindfulness.  Mindfulness can be cultivated in very simple ways.  Merely pausing before going through a doorway can bring you into the moment.  When speaking with someone look them in the eyes.  Practice meditation.  Move slowly when possible. All of this will connect mind, body, and spirit to the present moment.

I encourage you to practice on your own and in community with Jolie.

Live whole,
​Julia

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