The word "now" might seem to have an impatient connotation to it. However, being present in the now requires simply a state of mind that is calm, aligned and aware of the present circumstances. As Julian Barbour said, "Time is a series of nows".
The concept of being here in the present can be easily understood by filling a drinking straw with water and then keeping the water in the straw by closing off one of the ends with a finger. When we release our finger which acts as a valve, water then flows out of the straw. It takes time for the water to flow out of the straw, from the top to the bottom. From this experiment, we can experience the "now" that happened in the past, the "now" in the present, and the "now" in the future. However, while the water is still in the straw, time becomes still, happening all at once - the past, present and future, simultaneously.
Focusing on the now is relevant to many areas of our lives. For instance, when we are facing a dilemma, and are worried about its consequences, we could focus on the "now" instead. We could take stock of and be grateful for what we currently have; we could look inwards and get to know ourselves better; we could find strength in getting our priorities right, and we could energise ourselves knowing that we are equipped to deal with whatever challenges we may face. This awareness of being in the "now" is also the quintessence and underlying message of all major teachings.
The Bible states in Matthew (6:34): "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
In the Quran (16:1): "Allah's judgement has (all but) come..."
In Buddhism, there is a saying: "Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."
The Dao De Jing also makes numerous references to being in the present, among which: "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."
The Bhagavad-Gita states that: "Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for the good. Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good. You need not have any regrets about the past. You need not worry about the future. The present is happening.'
Rumi also wrote about the past, present and future. Among his quotes are:
"The past, the future, O dear, is from you; you should regard both these as one."
"How can I know anything about the past or the future, when the light of the Beloved shines only Now."
Living in the "now" is not just a collection of parables or sayings but a personal wealth experience which unfolds itself to each of us in different ways. We are ultimately reminded that we are in control of our own destiny when we are mindful of the decisions we make every day.
