How to Really Experience the Current Moment

Jun

2010

Are you living out this current moment right now in an amazing way? Are you really experiencing every aspect this precise moment has to offer? Are you so engaged with what is directly in front of you that your mind is consumed with the current moment? This means you are not thinking about all you have to do, something that happened in the past, something you want to happen in the future or anything else that doesn’t have to do with the current moment. Is your focus and attention completely and intently on what is currently in front of you?

If the answer is really yes, then you are living out this current moment in an amazing way.

However, the next question you should ask yourself is whether or not you live all current moments in an amazing way? Is this the way you live and experience every single moment of your life? Are you always completely connected and engaged with the present moment and what is right in front of you?

Many of us will have to admit that is not always the case. Sometimes our focus is on something else or we are distracted and preoccupied with issues, challenges and things we have to take care of. People will convince themselves that it is an unrealistic goal to think you can always be completely engaged with the current moment. It is just not possible to be completely engaged in the current moment the majority of the time because you have to devote some of your mental attention to resolving issues, challenges, things that have gone wrong and things that may go wrong in the future. You have to be prepared to handle things and that means you must spend a lot of time figuring them out and resolving them in your mind.

But, as always, there is an alteraview we should consider.

Life Satisfaction – The Current Moment: The alternaview

We are more than capable of living the majority of time really connected to and completely engaged with the current moment. We can choose to always be focusing on what is currently in front of us. Not only is it possible, it should be our goal and something we strive to do each and every day.

Why?

Because the quality of the current moment and how we experience and live it literally impacts how we will experience the next moment and all the moments after. How you feel right now will directly impact how you feel in 3 hours and how you will experience tomorrow and everyday thereafter. All moments in time are connected and the way you experience your future is determined by how you are living right now at this very moment.

Think of it as a pyramid of building blocks. You are either adding a positive block to what you have created or you are knocking one over and taking it away. You can always rebuild the pyramid, but you have to add positive blocks to it in order to do so.

And since it really matters how you feel and experience the current moment, we should always make certain we are experiencing it in the best way possible. It doesn’t mean we are always laughing and having fun. Yes, there should be times when that is the case, but there are other times where we need to be serious or take care of things. The key is to always be focused and embrace the moment currently in front of you in a way where you are totally connected and engaged with what you are doing.

When we are able to truly accomplish this, the current moment comes alive and we see and feel things we may have overlooked in the past because our mind was elsewhere. We are no longer consumed with worry, stress, or thinking about all the things we need to take care of because we are engaged with the current moment. We have planted all of our attention and focus on what is right in front of us and what we are doing.

How to use this alternaview:

1. Choose to Be 100% Engaged. When you direct your attention to what is currently in front of you and set a goal to be 100% engaged in what you are doing, you can’t but help to embrace the current moment. It is all about realizing you have a choice as to how you will interact with what is going on around you and then choosing to do so in an engaging way.

2.Focus on what you are doing … not on thoughts going through your mind. Make a concerted effort to really pay attention to what is currently in front of you. Notice the details of the situation and other aspects that require you to intently focus on what is in front of you. If you have a meticulous focus on what is in front of you, then your mind has no choice but devote the majority of its attention to what you are doing. Turn your attention away from the needless thoughts that are running through your mind and focus on what is right in front of you.

3. Don’t obsess over all that is wrong and worse case scenarios. If you are working to resolve an issue, don’t be consumed with all the things that have gone wrong or how terrible the situation is. Accept the hand that has been given to you and respond in the best manner possible. You will not resolve anything by worrying. Take positive action and move toward the outcome you desire.

4. Focus on doing things in a great way. Your goal should be to do things in a high quality manner. Focus on giving everything you can to what you are doing and open yourself up to performing in a great way. This will require you to really pay attention.

Conclusion

You really can live every moment of your life in an amazing way where you are totally connected to the current moment and things are just flowing. This is what living is all about. We just need to be able to consistently find our way there … that is the alternaview.

Do you live every moment of your life connected and engaged with the current moment? Do you agree with this alternaview? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

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Leave a Comment

{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }

John Soares June 17, 2010 at 9:36 am

Sibyl, what a good post for me today, a day in which I’m so busy with deadlines.

I think life is made up of all the moments in our lives. The more aware we are of each moment, the richer our lives.
.-= John Soares´s last blog ..Ending Phone Interruptions =-.

Sibyl June 17, 2010 at 7:21 pm: John: Nothing like those deadlines right? They so have a way of taking over our attention and focus. I do think if we can turn our attention to what we are doing and really engage in the current moment, we will be the most productive and set ourselves up to hit all deadlines. Good luck with yours today. I am sure you will hit them all. Thanks for the comment and for stopping by the alternaview.

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Mark of Success June 17, 2010 at 10:45 am

Sibyl,

Great post! I like the alternaview.

But I think it would be close to impossible to live every moment in the current, as there would be times when we need to look into the past to revive important memories and experiences, and times when we need to look into the future and plan the days ahead.

But well, we can say that even when we look into the past or the future, we can live in the current activity (if not in the current moment) and make the best of it. May be we can call this a corollary of the alternaview you’ve defined?

Cheers!
Mark
.-= Mark of Success´s last blog ..If you think you know what an ideal work life balance is, read this! =-.

Sibyl June 17, 2010 at 7:25 pm: Mark: Thanks for the comment. I am so glad that you like the alternaview because it is great to have you here and leaving such great comments. I do agree that sometimes you may have to reflect on what you want to happen in the future. There is never anything wrong with setting goals and then envisioning them becoming a reality. I have just always aimed to not allow that to consume to much of my present moment and to still be very engaged in the current moment while I am envisioning my future. Will you let me get away with saying “Be present in the moment, while you reflect on your past and envision your future” ? Maybe that is the corollary alternaview you described? Thanks Mark for the comment. I really appreciate it and am again so glad that you found the alternaview.

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John Sherry June 17, 2010 at 3:00 pm

This moment is it. Something you can say and always be totally correct. Live for now moment by moment and let life evolve around and to you from this core. You attract what you are and resonate and nothing will be lost. Simple advice Sibyl but rarely found so my thanks for declaring it.
.-= John Sherry´s last blog ..Optimism Week – Day 3 Simple Proof =-.

Sibyl June 17, 2010 at 7:27 pm: John: This moment is it. I love that John. That really says it all. Thanks for the quote. I am going to have to use that one I couldn’t agree more that you attract things to you based on how you live and how you experience the current moment. I think that is an important point you mentioned. Thanks you so much for the comment and always stopping by the alternaview. I really appreciate it.

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Mark Freier June 17, 2010 at 5:32 pm

Sibyl – Thanks for taking the wonderful discipline of “the present moment’ and maximizing it with an alteraview. It is so easy to either spend time in the past or focusing on the that we miss the present moment. Your encouragement to choose to be 100% engaged is a good discipline, albeit counter-intuitive.

Choosing to focus on what is in front of us reminds me of the athlete who his/her coaches urge to stay in the moment. With that type of focus the athlete is fully engaged. However, the analogy breaks down here because it’s not about the intensity of being in a contest rather the ability to focus no matter what the activity: walking in the part, conversing with friends over wine, or swimming under the warm summer sun. I’m off to enjoy…
.-= Mark Freier´s last blog ..Is Revenge on Our Hard Drive? =-.

Sibyl June 17, 2010 at 7:29 pm: Mark: Thank you so much for the comment. I agree that it is too easy to fall into the trap of being distracted and not having your attention in the current moment. I think once we set that as a goal, we really strive for it. And although it may not happen 100% of the time for us in the beginning, by aiming for it, we will continually experience more and more time in the current moment. Thank you again for the comment and sharing your analogy. I really appreciate it.

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Wilma Ham June 17, 2010 at 11:44 pm

Sibyl, I totally love this alternaview. Paying attention in the moment and paying attention to quality is making us quality people. It requires not to take too much on board though, I have noticed that if I am too busy I have no show keeping up being in the moment. It is then that I start drifting into the future or the past.
I also noticed that I love to have time to reflect and think and again when I have a continuous string of actions, I cannot take ‘breaks’ and I lose the ability to concentrate on the moment.
And no being present to the moment is such a waste of time. I might have well been sleeping.
xox Wilma
.-= Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Wilma on If only the WomenLikeMe way was this easy. =-.

Sibyl June 20, 2010 at 10:33 am: Wilma: Thanks for the comment. I really appreciate it and I am so glad that you like this alternaview. I couldn’t agree more that managing the volume of things we are dealing with is a good strategy to ensure that we are setting ourselves up to pay attention to what is in front of us. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your approach for staying in the current moment. I hope you are having a great weekend.

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Baker June 18, 2010 at 12:44 am

Hi Sibyl!
I resonate very well with your posts, and in particular this post about being totatlly engaged in the hear and now. I have found that daily meditation seems to work very well for me at the start of each day, to really start being more in the present during my day. I have to say, it is rather challenging to be here all the time, but definetly a worthwhile discipline!

Sibyl June 19, 2010 at 7:33 am: Baker: Thanks for the comment. I couldn’t agree more that it is so challenging to be present 100% of the time. What has worked for me is to just set this as my general goal, but always just be accepting of whatever happens. I am so glad to hear that you resonate very well with my posts and the alternaview. I definitely have the same experience with your posts. There really is something about that morning meditation isn’t there? It just starts the day off right. Thank you for the kind kind words and for stopping by the atlernaview. It is great to have you commenting here.

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Roman Soluk June 18, 2010 at 6:18 am

I like the idea, Sibyl! Besides, thanks for the tips how to use it! Nice, thank you for sharing!
.-= Roman Soluk´s last blog ..What if you were poisoned with food? =-.

Sibyl June 19, 2010 at 7:36 am: Hey Roman: Always good to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by again and leaving a comment. I am glad that you liked the post and the idea of being in the current moment. I really do think it can significantly impact how we experience our day and our life. Thanks again for the comment and have a great weekend.

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Angela Artemis June 18, 2010 at 8:39 am

Sibyl,
You’re so right to point out that we can be more engaged in the present moment than we realize. We don’t have to spend hours in meditation either. All we have is the present – how many of us live in our heads in the future or the past missing the moment?

It’s simply another discipline that overtime becomes a habit in our daily lives. Put your attention on what you’re doing – really pay attention. Stop multi-tasking – turn off your cell phone or crackberry!

I find that when I notice I’m not fully present and in my head over something that may have happened, or may never happen I repeat this mantra: Be here now. It draws me back to the present and refocuses my attention on the task at hand.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It can never be repeated enough in our 60 mile per hour culture that we live in!
.-= Angela Artemis´s last blog ..Is There a Difference Between Intuition, Psychism and Mediumship? =-.

Sibyl June 19, 2010 at 7:40 am: Angela: Thanks so much for the great comment. I really thought what you said was important about catching yourself every time you notice that you are getting too consumed with what is going on around you and distracted from focusing on the present moment. I like your mantra … “Be here now”. It is a strong pointer in the right direction. I also agree that it doesn’t mean we have to spend all of our days meditating. Meditation is great and can always pull you right into the present moment. However, the key is to be able to maintain this attention to the current moment regardless of if you are meditating or if you are just going through your day. Thanks again for the comment. I really appreciate it.

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Anita June 18, 2010 at 9:59 am

Great alternaview Sibyl. It is one of the most common mistakes we tend to make – especially when we work for ourselves – just so much to do. It’s hard to remember to be here in the now.

If I may share two things that I’ve implemented into my daily routine that are helping me stay focused (maybe they’ll be of use):

1. Short meditation sessions – 10-15 minutes. I do 2 a day – but even only one is great to ground you and re-focus.
2. I try to do at least one ‘me’ thing each day. It can be as small as looking through my favorite magazine. Or a little bigger – like a walk on the beach in the evening sun. It helps me remember that life is right now – the moments gone will never come back.

Also – awesome book I just finished – The Power of Full Engagement – talks about managing your energy for better fulfilment in life )

Thanks again for a great insight.
.-= Anita´s last blog ..Friday’s Top 5 Take-away: Full Body Exercises for Women =-.

Sibyl June 19, 2010 at 7:44 am: Anita: Thank you so much for the comment. And, thank you for sharing what is working for you. I really like the idea of the 2 meditation sessions a day and I think doing one “me” thing every day is key. I 100% agree with you that it doesn’t have to be something big, it is just about taking time for yourself that pushes you to focus and appreciate whatever it is that is right in front of you. I am going to have to get that book – The Power of Full Engagement – that you recommended. Sounds like a good one. Thanks for the great additions to the post and the book recommendation. I hope you have a great walk on the beach today

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Gail Brenner (AFlourishingLife) June 18, 2010 at 7:05 pm

Great post, Sibyl! Your rationale and suggestions speak the truth in a beautiful way.

One place where people can get stuck is being present with difficult feelings. These feelings can often take us away from the present if we wish to deny or ignore them.

Your advice about thoughts, which is don’t focus on them, I completely agree with. However, feelings are more tender and need our kindness and friendship. Developing the capacity to welcome our feelings is like offering a feast to a hungry heart. Eventually, the heart overflows in all directions – and we are no longer pulled into the past or future by avoiding what is true in the present.
.-= Gail Brenner (AFlourishingLife)´s last blog ..It’s Not Too Late for a Thorough Spring Cleaning =-.

Sibyl June 19, 2010 at 7:52 am: Gail: Thank you so much for the comment and the kind words about the post. I really appreciate it. I really thought what you said about getting stuck with difficult feelings was so important. They really can distract us and take us away from the present moment. It actually reminded me of that great collaborative writing post you shared on your website about getting unstuck (http://aflourishinglife.com/2010/04/getting-unstuck-by-facing-everything/). I really enjoyed that post and I thought the discussion you had about how to get unstuck was such an important one. Thank you so much for your comment and stopping by the alternaview. Have a great weekend.

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Dia June 18, 2010 at 7:37 pm

Very nice post Sibyl. To be engaged in the moment is a goal for most of us, but it requires great concentration skills. Afterall, how many times we start reading something, then after a few minutes we findout that we have read nothing? Very nice advice, thanks for sharing Sibyl
.-= Dia´s last blog ..5 Ways to stay energetic throughout the day =-.

Sibyl June 19, 2010 at 7:55 am: Dia: Thank you for the comment. Being 100% engaged in the current moment most definitely requires us to find an approach that works for us and allows us not be distracted by all those thoughts that may be going through our mind and anything else going on around us. I am glad that you enjoyed the post and that you stopped by the alternaview. Have a great weekend.

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Rocky | R O C K O N O V A . COM June 18, 2010 at 9:09 pm

being in the present moment is something I constantly struggle with. lately I’ve been trying to do my best to only keep one internet browser window open at a time (which will actually be a blog subject later!) It’s tough, but very rewarding when we are really experiencing the current moment !
.-= Rocky | R O C K O N O V A . COM´s last blog ..The Beauty Of Being A White Belt =-.

Sibyl June 19, 2010 at 7:57 am: Hey Rocky: How have you been? Always good to hear from you. Thanks for the comment. I like that idea of keeping one internet browser window open at a time. It really is true that there are little changes we can make that will automatically eliminate distractions and help us direct our attention to what is currently in front of us. Thanks for the comment and I am looking forward to that upcoming post you mentioned about only having one browser window open at a time. Have a great weekend.

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ayo June 19, 2010 at 9:26 am

hello sibyl,
how are you?
thanks for sharing this and my take home thoughts are: focus on what you are doing not on thoughts going through your mind. It’s so easy to get distracted and once it occurs it’s always very difficult to get back to the level of concentration or enjoy a beautiful experience and as for obsessing over all that’s wrong and worse case scenarios(i subscribe to evaluating worst case scenarios moderately), i feel once it plays a dominant role in our minds, it promotes distractions and gives rise to further difficulties such as stress, self doubt, worries…One cant live in the current moment carrying so much on his/her mind.
Take care and have a lovely weekend.
.-= ayo´s last blog ..40 Ways To Feel Good About Yourself =-.

Sibyl June 20, 2010 at 6:53 am: Hey Ayo: Always great to hear from you. Thanks for the comment. You are so right that it is extremely challenging to live in the present moment if you have a lot weighing on your mind. I think we have to put forth a continual effort to clear our mind and focus on what is currently in front of us. I also thought what you said was important about getting so distracted that it is difficult to return to focusing on the current moment. I really do agree that we have to always make certain we are only straying so far. Thanks again for the comment. I really appreciate it.

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Topi June 20, 2010 at 3:12 am

Hi Sibyl,
Being present is such an important practice to learn. After all, the only thing we have any control over is the here and now. Thanks for sharing the alternavew, and excellent tips!
Topi
.-= Topi´s last blog ..5 reasons to wake up early =-.

Sibyl June 20, 2010 at 6:51 am: Hey Topi: Thanks for the comment. I couldn’t agree more that being present and experiencing the current moment is a good practice to learn. I am glad that you enjoyed the post and agreed with the tips. I think it really is about practicing and continually strengthening our ability to live in the current moment. Thanks again for the comment.

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Abubakar Jamil June 20, 2010 at 8:54 am

Well I am glad to have “found” your blog and good to see another inquisitive mind like yours changing our life-view in a positive way. Alternate view-is a such a fitting name for your writing.
.-= Abubakar Jamil´s last blog ..How to be Yourself =-.

Sibyl June 20, 2010 at 9:29 am: Abubakar Jamil: Welcome to the alternaview. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I am happy that I found your blog as well. Thank you also for the kind words about the alternaview. I really appreciate it. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

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Jean Sarauer June 20, 2010 at 10:01 am

Hi Sibyl. I’ve really had to work on focus, as I am easily distracted. Before I know it, I’ve stepped out of awareness and my mind is who knows where! I’m not one to obsess or worry, so usually my mental detours have to do with creative projects . . . still, I prefer to show up for my own life, so it’s something I continue to work with.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.

Sibyl June 20, 2010 at 10:30 am: Jean: Thank you for the comment. I really have had to work on focus as well. Distractions seem to always and reliably come at the worst times and so I have had to strengthen my ability to stay focused on what is right in front of me. I like the term you used … mental detours That really is the best way to put it and once we figure out that we have taken a detour, it is all about turning our attention back to the current moment. Thanks again for the comment. I really appreciate it.

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Karl Hadwen June 20, 2010 at 10:15 am

Hey Sibyl,

As a first time reader here I was really impressed with your post. I’m the type of person who for example may of failed in the past but I’m the type of person who doesn’t look backwards, but instead looks forward to the future. This post was really inspiring and I can see it motivating a lot of people. I’ll keep a bookmark on this blog! – Great first impressions Sibyl.
.-= Karl Hadwen´s last blog ..Stop buying and start doing =-.

Sibyl June 20, 2010 at 10:28 am: Karl: Welcome to the alternaview and thank you for the kind words. I am glad that you enjoyed this post and found it really inspiring. I couldn’t agree more with you that we can’t be consumed by our past and looking backwards. It is all about being here and now and doing all we can to experience what is currently in front of us. Thanks again for the comment and stopping by the alternaview.

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Percival J. Meris June 20, 2010 at 10:19 am

I first learned about the value of living in the here and now when I started reading books on Zen Buddhism. Really, life is happening at the present moment, not on any other times – i.e. the past or the future. There is no other time but now. Everything is in the now – even the past is in the now as present memories and the future as present anticipation.

I learned about meditation first from my Yoga practice, then later about Zen meditation from my karate practice. No need to sit and engage in inactive and fruitless Yoga meditation when you can live and activelyparticipate in life with the active and more fruitful Zen meditation, which essentially is living one’s life in the present moment.. You make life happen, while you focus on what is here and now, thereby freeing your mind from regrets of the pasts and worries about the future.

Lastly, when I experience the darkest moment in my life, a friend advised me to be absorbed in my work to forget that thing that had hurt me. Now, this is living in the present moment at its finest. Being absorbed in my work means fully living in the present.

Sibyl June 20, 2010 at 10:26 am: Percival: Thank you for the comment and welcome to the alternaview. I really like what you said about living and actively participating in life. It is so important. And, as you said, you really do experience life and all it has to offer when you focus on the here and now. Thanks also for sharing how you really experience living in the moment. I really appreciate you stopping by the alternaview. I am off to start feasting on juice as you recommended Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

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Justin Dupre June 21, 2010 at 1:30 am

This is a very helpful post! I really enjoyed it. It’s so easy for us to get distracted while doing something. Our mind is way too powerful and your suggestion on how to keep practicing on connecting to the present is awesome. Those who have this under control can truly accomplish big things. Concentration and focus is one of the most important keys to become successful. Thanks for your tips and great advice.

Sibyl June 21, 2010 at 8:58 pm: Justin: Welcome to the alternaview. Thank you so much for the comment. I am glad that you enjoyed the post and found it helpful. I think you make an important point on the need to continually practice on connecting to the present moment. That really is key and once you find an approach for you that works and keep practicing it, it becomes easier and easier to stay connected with what is right in front of you. Thanks again for the comment and for stopping by the alternaview. I really appreciate it.

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Darren L Carter June 21, 2010 at 5:54 am

Hey Sibyl,

Thanks for posting a comment on my site. Glad you did because I really like yours! I agree with your post about experiencing the moment and focusing on where you are now. Focus on the people you’re with, the situation your in, the experience you’re having and life becomes so much better. Thanks for sharing this post!

Peace,
Darren L Carter
.-= Darren L Carter´s last blog ..Progress Report: Day 39 – Traffic =-.

Sibyl June 21, 2010 at 9:00 pm: Darren: Hey. Welcome to the alternaview. I really appreciate you stopping by and checking out the alternaview. I am glad that you like what you saw and thank for the kind words about the site. You really are right that life just opens up when you focus on the people you are with and experiencing what is right in front of. Thanks for the comment. I really appreciate it.

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Occasioinallyserene June 21, 2010 at 5:16 pm

Reminds me of a line that I love. “We are human beings, not human doings.” I have to be in the moment in order to experience it. I have missed so many of those moments, but being in the moment, even when it is not a great moment, really does beat being absent. Thanks for a great post.
.-= Occasioinallyserene´s last blog ..Rumi on transformation =-.

Sibyl June 21, 2010 at 9:08 pm: Occsionallyserene: Welcome to the alternaview. Thank you so much for the comment. I really appreciate it. I really like that line and the distinction between “being” and “doing”. It really speaks directly to the point and you are so right that there is nothing better than experiencing the current moment. That really is when we are at our best and when life unfolds in so many amazing ways. Thanks again for the comment.

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fatima da June 21, 2010 at 6:05 pm

Lovely post Sibyl and I tend to live in the moment every now and then…… life is full of ups and downs ..

.Giving it your 100% is a great point , I suppose for me it’s about putting in our best if not 110% into whatever we are doing and enjoy …Thanks for sharing
.-= fatima da´s last blog ..Calculated Risks let’s take the Chance =-.

Sibyl June 21, 2010 at 9:11 pm: Fatima: Thanks for the comment and the kind words. I couldn’t agree more that it really is all about putting everything you possibly can into whatever it is you are doing and really experiencing it. Thanks again for the comment. I really appreciate it.

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Ivan June 22, 2010 at 1:38 am

nice post…just a few thoughts…to really be able to perceive and experience the present moment requires one to go through a huge psychological revolution…one needs to learn to become a passive observer of ones inner space…to come to an understanding of the structure of thought, of memory, of the thought process…one needs to see the actuality that all thought is simply a response from memory..and all memory is of the past…therefore thought is limited….if you can come to a certain understanding of your inner psychology then there may be the possibility of stepping outside the field of thought..otherwise you will go on “thinking” that your in the present moment but that still involves thinking..not the present moment…

You have to learn to become observant and watchful…observe and be a witness to every act you do..every thought that passes your mind…without having the urge to control or suppress..watch every desire that bubbles up within you…observe even seemingly little things likes your gestures, walking, talking, breathing, eating, everything can be an opportunity to watch….

You will realize that the more watchful that you become, that your internal chatter will become less and less…by constantly watching you create immense inner space…inner stillness…in this space you will then be able to perceive that the thinker is not separate from the thought he thinks…that the observer is the observed…being able to “see” this internal movement in its entirety will help you slip into the gaps between your thoughts..where you experience being in a timeless space…being timeless means no thoughts…yet being extremely alert…..keep on watching until one day the watching drops on its own…and all the is left is the watcher…then you can see something simply without seeing it through the filters of your thoughts..which distort and never let you come in contact with what your observing…

An interesting thing that also happens when you start going from being unconscious to more conscious and wakeful…is that your new found awareness will then allow you to start seeing all your inner contradictions…all the subtle things that where operating below your conscious awareness..things that caused you to react to situations in life in a very mechanical way..you will see how everyone has a crowd of independent personalities living inside them…seeing this can be very painful and feel like your consciousness is turning against you…realize this is all part of the growing and learning process..this is how you will become more integrated…more whole…how you will really develop true will power…this is when you learn that you need to not express negative emotions… every time you express your negative emotions…you loose your sense of “I am”…the acknowledgement of your existence….

This is a very arduous journey…but the only journey worth making…this state of being is something you need to discover on your own..sure others can give you pointers… but what they are trying to describe is beyond words..so it’s up to you to make the leap into the unknown..to discover something that has been with you all along …I wish everyone the best…happy travels
.-= Ivan´s last blog ..Getting A Hair Cut While Living Abroad: Quick Tips For a Pleasant Experience =-.

Sibyl June 22, 2010 at 9:55 pm: Ivan: Thank you for the truly AMAZING comment. I think you described the experience we should aim for with absolute perfection. You are so right that all anyone can ever give you are pointers. You have to find the experience yourself and find your own inner space. You shared such an amazing description of what exactly it is we are looking for and I think it is right on and very helpful. Welcome to the alternaview and thank you again for the comment. I hope you will come back to share more of your insights. Have a great one.

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Hilary June 22, 2010 at 11:51 am

Hi Sibyl .. Certainly we can always look at another side of things – giving us options, not causing stress to those around us .. focusing is so important.

I have so much going on – but in a few weeks/months I hope life will be more settled and then I can put into practice some of these lessons .. and settle into that habit ..

Thanks .. have a good week – Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Nature in Balance … and the Dark-Bellied Dew Lover! =-.

Sibyl June 22, 2010 at 9:57 pm: Hillary: Welcome to the alternaview and thank you so much for the comment. I really appreciate it. I agree with you that focusing is so important and what we choose to focus on and turn our attention to really matters and impacts how we experience everything. Thank you again for the comment and stopping by the alternaview. It is great to have you commenting here.

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Sibyl June 23, 2010 at 1:53 pm: Hillary: Thanks for the comment. I really appreciate it and definitely agree that we can always benefit from looking at the other side of things. I hope when you do put some of these tips into practice you find them valuable. Please let me know … I am always curious. Thanks again for the comment.

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