Daily Dharma 01: Be Present. Live Here and Now

(Guest post by David from DailyDharma.net)

Day 1: Be Present. Live Here and Now.

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha

How can we can we be conscious, enjoy living, or accomplish anything, if we are not aware of where we are, who we are, and what we are doing right now?

Photo by Stuck in Customs

Today, practice being present.

Focus your mind on your actions, whether you are brushing your teeth, eating a sandwich, or hard at work, and avoid daydreaming.

If you are driving to work, simply drive. Do not worry about Monday’s meeting, about last night’s fight with a loved one, or about what another driver is doing behind you. If you are breathing, simply breathe. Notice each breath coming in and going out. Feel the air that sustains you entering your lungs. If you are sitting, simply sit. Pull your mind back to right now. Notice your surroundings. Notice your feelings. Notice your suffering. Notice, but do not worry. Just be.

Why?

This is not a Buddhist blog, but it does draw its name – Dharma – from the Buddhist word for “the path”, and it is true that you will find me frequently quoting Buddhist teachers and citing Buddhist principles from which everybody can benefit, regardless of your religious beliefs.

The most central of these Buddhist beliefs is the importance of living in the present moment. It is the simplest concept to understand, yet the most difficult to master. Buddhist monks spend entire lifetimes – or several lifetimes – sitting in seclusion, meditating in silence, learning to be present. The reward is enlightenment, or the freedom from human suffering.

We may not be able to devote our lives to following this (or any) spiritual path; but by consciously making an effort to live in the moment, we can eliminate worry and regret and become happier, less stressed, and more productive, all at the same time.

Today’s Challenge

• Spend at least ten minutes – or longer if you are able – sitting in a quiet room and doing nothing else.
• Notice something in nature: A flower, a bird, or a tree.
• Catch yourself fantasizing about the future or reminiscing about the past, and bring your mind back to the present.