Stay Present

Recently, I was reminded of the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation.  Mindfulness meditation is different from traditional meditation because it helps you to not only focus on the here and now, but it also helps in acknowledging and accepting thoughts, feelings, and environmental awareness without judgement.  A gifted speaker shared about becoming mindful of their family’s cat being in his presence without him being aware of it until he happened to look in the direction of the cat. He believed the cat had been there for several minutes, just watching and observing his every move.  Even though he was not initially aware of it, he realized it did not take away from the fact that the cat was present, prior to his awareness.  However, being mindful of the environment, thoughts, or feelings is just an exercise to assist in living in the moment, instead of living in the past or future, which can cause depression and anxiety.

It is not always easy to keep our minds focused on the here and now.  On the other hand, it is easy to drift into thoughts of the past.  In some cases, thoughts of mistakes or perceived failures that have taken place, which have become like a prison.  If only things had been done or said differently.  Sometimes, there is worry or fear of something that may take place in the future that can cause severe anxiety and unnecessary stress.  However, studies have revealed that only about 10 percent of our fears come into fruition.  The other 90 percent never happens.  Yet, most of us would agree that 10 percent is more than enough trouble.  Fortunately, according to an article from Psychology Today, the troubles that are imagined, and that actually do come true are not the end.  For instance, having the awful thought of losing a job, or some other horrible experience could be paralyzing, but if we could see beyond that catastrophe, it would not be so bad.  Each of us who are still here can recall a time when something really bad happened, but there were good things that happened after that experience.

Therefore, mindfulness meditation can be beneficial in helping us to not only focus on the present, but it can also help us to acknowledge how troubles are not the end of the story.  Actually, we can learn and grow from those experiences which do happen to each of us.  Jesus said: “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33NIV).  I believe the trouble part applies to all, not just those who have faith in Jesus.

Mindfulness meditation can be used as a tool to not only focus on the present, but it can also be used to focus on the good in our present.  Imagine going through a difficult time and acknowledging the friendly presence of a pet, perhaps not able to do anything to change your situation, but a friendly presence that gives moral support. 

The story of Viktor Frankl who was a psychiatrist that introduced logotherapy, a therapy that is akin to existential therapy, illustrates how choosing to focus on the good in our life during difficult times, can determine the outcome of the problem(s) we face.  In his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning”, Viktor gives 5 lessons that emphasize the importance of keeping a positive attitude which leads to making better decisions in the midst of troubles.  His 5 lessons can be seen as an illustration of the benefits of mindfulness meditation as he states: 1) We always retain the ability to choose our attitude; 2)There will be suffering-it’s how we react to suffering that counts; 3) The power of purpose; 4) The true test of our character is revealed in how we act; 5) Human kindness can be found in the most surprising places.

God is always present with us, whether we acknowledge His presence or not.  His love and kindness are extended to all.  “For He makes his sun shines on good and bad people alike, and he sends rain to the righteous and the unrighteous alike” (Matthew 5:44CJB).  This was written to remind us of the importance of treating each other well, but it is also a reminder that God’s presence and His goodness is always near.  So, instead of becoming stuck in the past, or worried about the future, we can find hope and peace in the present, just by becoming mindful of the goodness of an ever-present God.