Why It Is So Hard to Live in the Present

[Sprout]

One’s focused awareness is where the present exists.

Whether in a state of meditation focused on the space between thoughts or having ‘thoughts’ on the past or future, they all exist in the present moment with the choice of having attention and awareness on them.

Not being present is a misnomer. Any individual at any given moment has their awareness on something. Awareness is a present time phenomenon regardless of the object of focus.

There are levels of awareness, each level encapsulates the one below it - thus leading to states of greater awareness as one traverses the levels.

One doesn’t necessarily want to be thinking about cosmic revelations when they are crossing a busy street.

 

[ElCubano]

Whether in a state of meditation focused on the space between thoughts or having ‘thoughts’ on the past or future, they all exist in the present moment with the choice of having attention and awareness on them.

I guess its the level of attachment to thoughts of past and future that can take us out of the present. Thinking/worrying/regretting at a high level about past/future can take our focus out about crossing the street.

 

[tiddlywinks]

Reframing stimulates a solution oriented focus, rather than a problem oriented one.

Thinking about problems just creates more problems and more of the same.

Thinking about solutions calls in new experiences.

 

[Simples]

Depressed people seek relief. When the relief is knowledge, they may become more aware of themselves. Some even break free.
Happy people don't need relief. They may never seek or totally ignore knowledge. Some are free already.
Gold fish live totally in the present moment.

Who is most blessed?

It is as it is, always changing.

 

[They]

Happiness exists only in the present. You can think about something you will do or get in the future or reflect upon good times in the past but the happiness only occurs in the present.

Most people are absorbed in contemplating the objects of the senses that they will get in the future.

 

[Ilgan]

Don't take it hard on yourself. Many people have a complex of standing up to the circumstances. You need to try to overcome them. You can study the life of successful people and see their top attributes. You also need to remember that dawn always comes after dusk. Just hang in there.