your vision of the future will also change. New situations will appear more hopeful than they once were, and you will soon look forward to the days ahead. You will gain courage and competence through your efforts to participate more efficiently in life, and you will see this powerful processes of transformation first-hand. Not only has life changed you, as it does for us all, but you have changed life as well. This brings awareness of the fact that if you can change, so too can others. For this is the source of two powerful treasures: patience and hope.
In summary, the present moment is a priceless resource. You should choose to live each moment in whatever way you wish, not to do what you want necessarily, but to respond to Life in a way that promotes happiness and satisfaction for both yourself and others.
What kind of person would you like to be? Are you spending each present moment that way? Think about that one every now and then.
Your Future Self
One interesting thing about the FUTURE is that it is the least real of the three selves. The great visionary Walt Disney once proclaimed, “If you can dream it, you can do it,” but there remains an enormous difference between dreaming and doing.
Until something is done, for instance, it is merely a dream, an imagination, a plan... While we always project some influence on the future, we by no means have full control over it, and it is never ours to own. Therefore, it can never be taken from us. This is very important!
As human beings on a quest for peace of mind or happiness, a healthy understanding of the future is paramount to our resilience. This is primarily valuable when conquering adversity, which just happens to be a meaningful and predictable aspect of life. When an unforeseen tragedy strikes, our imagination can make us feel vulnerable, for we often feel like we have been robbed of our future.
However, our feelings of disappointment are not because Life has failed us, but rather that our imagination and expectations have failed to predict Life accurately. Knowledge of this concept can go a long way toward healing your emotional pain. In fact, there are people who practice a skill known as ‘non-striving,’ which is based on managing expectations of the future, grounding yourself in the present, and then making the most of your current opportunity. As the popular Beetles song goes, do what you can, and then “Let it be.”
In summary, your FUTURE self is a product of your imagination, so don’t cling to it too tightly. Though at times it may be the source of life-saving hope, we must always adapt to our present circumstances in order to survive, and thrive. For we cannot be robbed of something that we do not possess, and the only thing we ever truly possess is the present moment.
OWNERSHIP VS. RESPONSIBILITY
You will find that by living a less possessive, and more transient lifestyle, your emotions will become less intense, and more helpful in guiding you successfully on a path of great happiness. Is it not true that each thing that you now have was once not yours, and will one day be yours no longer? If so, then do your best to live a life of responsibility, rather than ownership. Think to yourself now and then…
“I currently may possess this house, this relationship, this resource. Yet when it is no longer ‘mine,’ what will others know of me by those things I leave behind?”
Similarly, the ancient Greek statesman Pericles offered the following wisdom:
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
Just remember that the end goal is to lead by example, and to leave a positive legacy. Not so much to possess great things, but to demonstrate great character.
PRACTICE MINDFULNES
Mindfulness is a term used to describe the art of being totally aware and focused on your PRESENT self. The following parable explains this practice quite well:
On a perfect sunny day up in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, there were two neighbors, both of whom were out traveling the same magnificent trail, not knowing that the other was there.
As the first traveler walked, he thought about the many tasks that awaited him back at home. He stressed about what would happen if he got home too late. He judged the sun as too hot, and the wind as too cold. He hurried to the end of the rocky trail, and then hurried home to think about the mountains while he did other things.
The second traveler walked mindfully along the path. She noticed the majestic snow covered peaks, and the grassy green valley down below. She listened to the birds, and the rushing water of the rivers as they flowed by. She was thankful for the sun and wind just as they were, neither too hot or too cold. She took it all in, and then reflected on the entire journey when the beautiful trail ended. When she was ready, she went home to be there, and be present.
Interestingly, when the two travelers got home and were unpacking their gear in their driveways, they discussed the days events. “What did you do today?” asked the first traveler. “I had an amazing day on the most beautiful mountain,” said the second traveler “I feel so refreshed.” To which the first responded, “I sure wish I could have been there.”
-Travis Slone
I think the story speaks for itself as to the importance of practicing mindfulness each and every day. If you feel like you’re always in a rush, and that your mind is always somewhere different that your body, then learn and practice some of the many mindfulness exercises at your disposal through the internet and other resources. Doing so will help you to be where you are, and will familiarize you with your PRESENT self.
BECOME A PROBLEM SOLVER
We realize that not everyone who begins this journey is going to be happy or even content with the present as it is. That’s ok. We only ask that you lead by example and begin where you are by addressing each challenge with the goal of discovering a solution, not complaining.
As you will soon discover, this journey is about becoming the change that you wish to see in your home, workplace, or social group. It is about creating healthier solutions that bring you closer to your ideal FUTURE self, rather than merely spreading negativity.
Therefore, we offer the following basic challenge resolving steps. Consider using them as you encounter things that could perhaps be made different in positive ways:
1. Identify the challenge
2. Identify potential solutions
3. Select the healthiest solution
4. Take action (Implement the solution)
5. Re-evaluate the situation
This simple process can serve you well in many situations, and using it effectively will improve your ability to overcome various challenges. Just remember that while there are many solutions to each problem, not all solutions will bring you closer to your imagined FUTURE self. Be careful not to implement solutions that will make your situation worse in the end. Be smart, and as always, lead by example.
SUMMARY
