In the Moment …

It’s a vague concept really, “Live in the moment.” People tend to drop that line without ever really explaining what they mean. Heck, most of the time they don’t. It seems more akin to, “It is what it is,” or, “*&%$ rolls downhill.” All idioms and maxims of human existence that hold their explanation in the reality of just … being. Truths that come apparent to us as we experience the world around us. Eventually, we all learn that it really is what it is and that poo really does roll downhill, but no one takes the time to tell you why.

And why should they?

It would take the mystery and wisdom out of those sayings. It wouldn’t allow the young mind to dissect the words and conclude what we all had to. That sometimes life gives you rough circumstances; that sometimes you are the bearer of all the responsibility that should have stayed further up the hill. If we took the time to break that down, we wouldn’t challenge the unfortunate soul with the questions they must ask themselves.

“Why me?” or “Is this going to happen a lot or just a little?” or, maybe even the best of all the questions, “Do I want to change my circumstances?” Maybe for some minds the explanation of the saying would help them answer those questions, but if you were like me, the vagueness of those responses is what really did the trick. When life hit me hard, and I was given the typical, “It is what it is,” it led me on a train of thought that—honestly—gave me some of the resilience I use to this day.

So, when someone says, “Live in the moment,” and then doesn’t explain, I guess they’re hoping for some transcendent truth to echo within your mind, just like with the other more popular idioms of humanity. The problem is, living in the moment isn’t a universal maxim. It doesn’t come to humans naturally. After all, we are a group of planning and plotting higher primates capable of critical thought. To live in the moment sort of flies in the face of some of our greatest strengths. Our dominance over the globe wasn’t gained by just being present. No, it was years and years of forethought and reaction; struggle and progression; tenuous civilizations teetering on the brink of turmoil. All of which required us to definitively NOT live in the moment.

I guess that’s why I have always struggled with the concept. I saw the logical fallacy of it all. How can someone live in the moment and not lead a good life? Surely, you have to plan for the future; predict potential losses or gains; worry about the outcomes of your choices?

Yet, that’s not what “Live in the moment,” means. It’s not some innate truth like gravity’s effect on &*%$. No, it’s much more esoteric than that. You see, in order to live in the moment you have to know where you’re going. You have to have already predicted and charted your optimal course. But most importantly you have to learn how to make that plan and then let … it … lie.

Once you have learned how to do that, you CAN live in a moment of unfettered bliss, content in the knowledge that your plan will still work when you are done with that moment. Playing with your kids? Sure, dive in with all the gusto you can muster.

Date night with your significant other? Absolutely, put on your dancing shoes and go like no one is watching.

Just taking a moment to let the sunrise wash you in its radiance? Yeah, just don’t forget to breathe …

It’s not a constant state of being, it’s a mindset. It’s the ability to dictate, not to others, but to the compartmentalized portions of yourself. There’s always those more logical—thoughtful—moments of ourselves that thrive in the planning and forethought. Give that version of yourself the plan and then let them hold onto it. But when it comes time to play and unwind, let your fun and carefree self drive. Both of those versions of you are you, and both of them get to live in the moment.

That’s another thing. Nobody ever mentions that living in the moment also consists of productive tasks. It’s not just about some carefree life free of worry. We aren’t Timon and Pumba from the Lion King singing “Hakuna Matata.” In fact, living in the moment lets your productive self truly shine. The focus you can harness when you’re capable of pouring your full self into one point in time is immense.

Trust me, you will find that you are capable of so much more than you ever thought possible. You just have to learn that the past is behind us, the future is forever unknown, and that the only change we can affect is right here—right now.

So, why don’t you join me? Live in the moment. Sure, let yourself plan out that future you have always wanted, but, while you are on the way, don’t forget to live. After all, when you get to that shining future you have painstakingly planned, if you didn’t live on the journey there, what makes you think you will know how when you get there?

Thank you all for reading! Stay tuned next week for more shorts and tidbits from me.

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