Daily Dharma 01: Be Present. Live Here and Now

May 23, 2008 by ScottyDoo  
Filed under Daily Dharma

(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.

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