If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.
~ Lao Tzu
Though I have been trying for over two decades to live by Lao Tzu’s words, we often struggle to live more in the present. I still experience bouts of anxiety and depression, though they are much farther and fewer than those I experienced in previous times. They still manage to take hold of my thoughts and become gremlins of self depreciation, doubt and fear. Being aware of what these negative gremlins is essential, the challenge is not allowing negative or despairing thoughts about things beyond one’s control to dominate one’s psyche. We am in control of ourselves alone. We must live fully and completely, and not allow other’s choices, perceptions or negativity to contaminate the moment. We must leave things of this nature outside of us, and experience life coming from within and pushing out in a spirit of positivity, compassion, joy and love to mingle with the universe and to be absorbed in all things. The beauty of the moment is that now is always new and an opportunity to re-set. It is not the simplest of undertakings, but practising mindfulness can be very beneficial in shaping our views and challenging those negative thoughts and emotions. Again, nothing is permanent and we are not our emotions: they ebb and flow like waves on the ocean. No matter the shape, water adapts, as must we.
No comments:
Post a Comment