Here and Now

Here and Now

 

There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the infinite passion of life.
                                                                                                                                    Federico Fellini

That we should live predominantly in the present, and not in the past or the future, is central to some perspectives of self improvement, especially Gestalt therapy, enlightenment and spiritual development. From this standpoint, we can only develop ourselves if we are highly aware of what we sense, feel and think from moment-to-moment.

Remaining stuck in our memories or expectations is considered unhealthy. It keeps us from connecting with ourselves and our feelings, and of acting upon them. Living totally in the moment enables us to be in contact our lives and so deal with our problems.

Awareness of the moment is linked to trusting our experiencing, being open to experience and willing to respond to it in an open way instead of forcing it into preconceived categories.

‘What am I feeling right now?’ is the kind of question we might ask ourselves if we live in the here and now.

Note that living in the present is not a denial of the past. We experience past events not directly but in our awareness of them in the present. What is going on in the here and now regulates and redefines past experiences and its application to the present moment. This applies to learning. Full awareness of the present can help us see more clearly how we can apply past learning to present circumstances.

If we can recall a past event, then it must have some significance in the present moment. If it concerns unfinished business, then living in the here and now may not be easy. Past experiences draw energy away from how we are functioning now and therefore inhibits our ability to participate in the present.

Living in the past is thought to be psychologically unhealthy. However it is important to remember that the past is not the future.

Accepting that living in the now is healthier for our development than being future-oriented is a different kettle of fish. The emphasis on goal-setting, planning to achieve goals and techniques such as mental rehearsal enable us to experience the future in the here and now. The mind has the capacity to escape the present. Re-editing memories and visualizing the future life scripts are examples of this.