Now is Enough: The Essence of Presence

In this article we will explore the meaning of “living in the now”. But first I want to share an excerpt from a classic poem with you.

“I have heard what the talkers were talking, the talk of the beginning and the end,

But I do not talk of the beginning or the end.

There was never any more inception than there is now,

Nor any more youth or age than there is now,

And will never be any more perfection than there is now,

Nor any more heaven or hell than there is now.”

-Walt Whitman, Song of Myself

Dear friends,

Dear aspirers, seekers, and achievers.

Allow me to place one drop of perspective into the infinite oceans of your vast minds. That perspective is and will always be the preciousness of now. It is a simple yet elusive idea. Simple in its principle, yet elusive in its practice.

I believe that this difficulty is not only natural, but necessary. After all, our anticipation for the future has allowed our ancestors to keep ahead of threats. Our reflections on the past have provided us with rich experience to build our future. Society, science, and art would not be what they are, or perhaps even be, without the virtues of foresight and hindsight. These things are all natural, and they are all necessary.

Therefore, I would not take the phrase “live in the now” too literally. The phrase may still be true. However it is only true when one has accepted its limitations, and thus its power. Moreover, one needs to find out what that wisdom means in the context of his own life. Such is true of all clichés, I think. How I interpret the preciousness of now is simply this:

One has to understand the preciousness of every moment, not only from the perspective within that moment, but also the perspectives from outside.

For example:

While one may not be at ease with the way events are unfolding now, he can make peace with it upon reflection. That moment can be revisited.
While the anticipation of something painful can bring anxiety, one can allay those feelings through acceptance and optimism. That moment can be pre-visited.
Once in a while, one can let himself be free of all thoughts, and let the pure stimuli of the world wash over him. These moments are when one loses himself in the present.

Please understand that these moments are no more amazing than the others. They are to be savored when lived, but not to be chased after or over indulged- In the same way that the first fruit eaten is succulent while the tenth is not.

We may not always be calm in situations outside our tolerance for stress. We may not always fully accept what is coming over the horizon. In those moments we are not necessarily “living in the now”. But in a way we are. Permit me to explain.

As I have alluded to before, the emotions you feel are reared by the precise need of the universe. To live in harmony with nature, or the way, is not necessarily about hovering peacefully in a field of grass.

It is about having a grander acceptance, and thus a more grounded experience.

“Now”, I think, is just now. It is precious yet fleeting. It is coming and it is leaving. There is no more you can do to preserve it than you can do to hasten it.

Now is neither the best of times nor the worst of times.

Now is enough.

With that thought, you may want to consider this notion: The feelings of peace are as important as anger, frustration, and all the emotions that come with each moment. Cliché again, yes. But I only ask that you to consider it. You will discover its meaning, as well as the meaning of other wisdom, in your own time, place, and way.

Your way.

Perhaps by reflecting, we can all gain some unique lesson. Perhaps by accepting, we can all call to a power greater than momentary fear. Perhaps as you this read these words now, you can feel at ease with the world. Perhaps not.

But just know that whatever it is you feel right now.