NOW--- What?

I just returned from five intense days of yoga training in Chicago.  These are very long days of body and mind work with a hotel ballroom full of like-minded yogis who have been teaching, studying and training for years as well.

One of the topics we covered was the power of "NOW."  It's common to hear expressions like--live in the moment, take a deep breath, let go, be here now.  However, it is very uncommon to actually practice this. We are hardwired to review the past or jump into the future.  The problem is that we are NOT living in the present.  The present is all we have.  The past is over, so we benefit from training the brain to leave it there. The future and anxiety and worry may never even occur, so we benefit from leaving it there.  Then, and only then, can we look at where we are with clear eyes and stay focused in the moment.

This may sound very "out there," but the practical application of living in the moment is enormously worthwhile.  Concerning ourselves with what is actually happening now calms us down.  This is a form of active stress reduction.  What is the next right thing, in front of me, at this moment?  Regarding self improvement and weight loss in particular, this is also a relief.  I can't do everything (exercise at 5AM every day, look like I did when I was 20...).  I can't undo the things from my past that I now regret (ate or drank too much, skipped the gym, indulged in office trick/treat).  Enough!  Stay focused on what can be done.  The next right thing.

Behold the power of "NOW."  That's all you have.

The past is history.  Leave it behind.
The future is a mystery.  Leave it there.
The present is the gift--that is what is real, what is grounding and what matters.