As we grow up, many of us are taught that there is a past, present, and future. However, rarely are we taught that the only dimension we actually ever exist in is that of the present moment — the eternal now.
The past and future exist only as constructs in the mind; indeed, time is only an illusion that we use to navigate our experience of life and create reference points within it. Even so, most people focus almost all of their attention either on the past or the future.
Dwelling on memories of past events brings feelings of nostalgia at best, and feelings of resentment, anger, blame, guilt, or sadness at worst. Thinking about what the future may bring can produce a feeling of hope or excitement about the potential happiness we’ll find when we finally “get there” or “make it,” whatever “there” or “it” may be. Or, it can cause enormous feelings of anxiety or dread if we fear a potential outcome.
The truth is and has always been that there is no past or future; there is only right now. There has only ever been right now, even in the so-called “past.”
Focusing on the past or future in your mind is how you miss the moments of your life. It’s like walking through life dead instead of just being, right now, and experiencing the intense joy and aliveness that can be found only in the present moment.