I have a question for you. If you are not living "in the moment", just WHEN are you living? This is not a trick question, nor is it a rhetorical question. Think about your answer carefully.

As I see it, there are three times: past, present and future. I believe that while it is important to think about the past and the future, it is very dangerous to LIVE in either of these times. Let me explain what I mean by that. This week I'll talk about the perils of living in the past and next week I'll talk about living in the future.

When it comes to living in the past, there are two major variations on this theme.

First, there are those who are constantly reliving past glories or accomplishments. These people define themselves by who they were and what they've done. These people believe that who you were in the past is who you will be in the future. Or that what you've had in the past is what you will have in the future. When life takes an unexpected twist, people who live in the past often have a very difficult time adjusting because they are too busy living in a state of disbelief. "This sort of thing doesn't happen to me. I never expected this. How can this be happening? How will I ever cope?" We all know people who've said or thought these things.

The second group are those who are constantly reliving past setbacks or failures and define themselves by the problems that they've had in the past. Strangely enough, these people, like the first group, ALSO believe that who you were in the past, is who you will be in the future. They let the shadows of the past keep them from achieving wonderful things in the present. These shadows often obscure the new opportunities and possibilities that life is constantly offering us in the present. " I've never had any luck. The world is out to get me. Why would things get better now? Why bother trying?" Again, we all know people who've said or thought these things.

So far, scientists have said that Time travel is impossible. Yet I know someone who does it on a regular basis! She is able to instantly return to a past time in the blink of an eye. If the wrong name is mentioned or a painful subject is raised, this person is able to instantly transport herself back to the moment when the pain and anger were fresh. Her entire demeanour changes and it is as though she is back reliving the entire event. She can instantly ruin a great mood in the present just by thinking of some issues that are long past.

I urge you to learn the lessons that your past has to teach and then move beyond them into the present! Now is the only time that truly matters because now is the only time we can work with. Living a mindful life provides a luxury that few people allow themselves - the luxury of enjoying things RIGHT NOW!

Next week, I'll discuss the dangers of living in the future. Until then...

ENJOY NOW!

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National Library of Canada ISSN 1708-0606

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