I am learning to live in the present moment, though I find it a little difficult.
My mind often wanders into the depths of the past, trying to understand why things happened.
At other times, it jumps into the future, worrying about what might happen next.
But when I consciously practice staying present, I begin to feel calmer and a little happier.
The truth is, we cannot change the past.
We can only accept it as it is.
As Lao Tzu said:
“If you are depressed, you are living in the past.
If you are anxious, you are living in the future.
If you are at peace, you are living in the present.”
Sometimes the present feels like standing on a staircase.
From there, you can see both what lies below and what lies ahead—the past and the future.
Yet, your feet remain firmly on the step you are standing on now.
The mind constantly jumps between the past and the future, but I gently bring it back to the present moment.
I focus on what I am doing and how I am doing it.
While traveling, I recite holy words and give them my full attention.
When chanting, my mind becomes completely absorbed in the sound of the words.
This presence keeps me free from thoughts of the past and worries about the future—and brings a quiet sense of peace.