"Living in the moment is most difficult in the midst of life transitions. We are defined by our past, and yet we are heavily motivated by our future. The present is solely the bookmark or blank page before the next chapter in the story of life. It seems like there's nothing significant about it when we solely see it as a blank page, but it's necessary in the formation of a storyline. We have the option to either keep it blank or to color it with the images and experiences of the here and now."
This was a reflection that I had several years ago while in college during my senior year. The questions about "What are your plans?" and "What are your best memories of college?" were beginning to fly around. It became a struggle to enjoy the time remaining and absorb those moments in great detail. I wrote these words as a sort of confession of my feelings during those days.
After watching Zinn's video (above), it is amazing to think that we can rewire our brains to a form that can enhance our overall well-being and clarity of mind simply through the act of paying attention in the here and now. And the action of this clarity moves beyond the gray matter, but throughout the entire body. It's something that becomes a part of who we are, and a part of our essence.
Probably the biggest challenge that Zinn offers in the video is the concept that we have come to know ourselves as "Homo sapien sapien," that we are "aware that we are aware." Zinn challenges that notion, and I agree. I am an example of one who is unaware of their awareness. There have been countless times when I've done something without being aware of what I'm doing or the times when I've driven somewhere without realizing how I got there. I would consider myself a fairly attentive person, but not necessarily aware of all things. It's a challenge.
As I am now at the end of my chronicled mindfulness journey, I know that I am now challenged with allowing myself to engage and be engaged with the present in order to live. There's been too much of my life that I've missed because of being either focused on the past or the future. As I prepare to step into a new academic year, these are the days to begin a deeper journey of awareness and wellness. I believe that as I take the moments to be in the presence of my ever unfolding experiences, I will be enriched by them all, and gain clarity that will lead into future "present" experiences.
This was a reflection that I had several years ago while in college during my senior year. The questions about "What are your plans?" and "What are your best memories of college?" were beginning to fly around. It became a struggle to enjoy the time remaining and absorb those moments in great detail. I wrote these words as a sort of confession of my feelings during those days.
After watching Zinn's video (above), it is amazing to think that we can rewire our brains to a form that can enhance our overall well-being and clarity of mind simply through the act of paying attention in the here and now. And the action of this clarity moves beyond the gray matter, but throughout the entire body. It's something that becomes a part of who we are, and a part of our essence.
Probably the biggest challenge that Zinn offers in the video is the concept that we have come to know ourselves as "Homo sapien sapien," that we are "aware that we are aware." Zinn challenges that notion, and I agree. I am an example of one who is unaware of their awareness. There have been countless times when I've done something without being aware of what I'm doing or the times when I've driven somewhere without realizing how I got there. I would consider myself a fairly attentive person, but not necessarily aware of all things. It's a challenge.
As I am now at the end of my chronicled mindfulness journey, I know that I am now challenged with allowing myself to engage and be engaged with the present in order to live. There's been too much of my life that I've missed because of being either focused on the past or the future. As I prepare to step into a new academic year, these are the days to begin a deeper journey of awareness and wellness. I believe that as I take the moments to be in the presence of my ever unfolding experiences, I will be enriched by them all, and gain clarity that will lead into future "present" experiences.
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