We are always running somewhere. If we aren’t actually moving, actually travelling toward someplace else, then our mind is running. Most likely, it’s ticking off the tasks and chores and assignments and goals for tomorrow or some other time in the future.
No matter how fast you run, you will never catch up to tomorrow. Why? Because it’s always today. Tomorrow and yesterday are both nothing more than concepts in your brain. You are already where you are supposed to be, right here, right now.
The present isn’t always perfect, and it isn’t always what you want it to be. But it is all you have. Ever.
Buddhists say that 99% of our misery is caused by struggling against what is. What would happen if you roped in your attention, slowed its movement and then gently tied it to right now? What if you noticed what is actually happening?
You can experiment with this just by using your senses. If you are able to see, notice that you are seeing. What do you see? If you can hear, notice that you are hearing. What do you hear? If you can smell, notice that you are smelling. What do you taste? Repeat this simple inquiry with your senses of touch and taste.
Next time you find your mind dashing off to tomorrow, slow it down for a bit with this little exercise to anchor yourself in the moment. See if you feel a little calmer after you do it.
