The struggle to be mindful and present is nothing new. We may think it’s more difficult now, with all our outside distractions and devices. But our ancestors also struggled with this concept. It takes great effort. It’s not easy to be conscious and aware in the moment, so we fret about yesterday and worry about tomorrow. We get distracted. Life passes by.
During the 4th century, Kalidasa, an Indian poet and playwright reminded people of the power of presence. In his poem, “Look to This Day”, he speaks of the power of creation. Your thoughts and feelings in the now moment are your vision of life. It’s something that is worth repeating in the 21st century, 1700 years later.
Life is a series of moments. Live each moment. The only moment there is…is the now moment.
“Look to this day,
for it is life, the very breath of life.
In its brief course lie all the realities of your existence;
the bliss of growth,
the glory of action,
the splendor of beauty.
For yesterday is only a dream,
and tomorrow is but a vision.
But today, well lived,
makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.”
Live this day with joy.