Be Here Only
“Confine yourself to the present.”
—Marcus Aurelius
Meditations
It's tempting to get lost in the regrets of the past or the anxieties of the future, isn't it?
But it's important to remember that the past is unchangeable and the future is uncertain. Instead, the present moment offers a field of action where you can exert your influence and live your virtues. When you're fully engaged in the present, you're actively shaping the trajectory of your life.
Think about the last time you became wrapped up in worries for the future or ruminated on something that happened in the past. How much did those thoughts distract you from what you were actually doing at the moment? By confining your thoughts to the present, you free up mental energy to put towards being productive and finding joy in current tasks.
Next time you catch yourself drifting to 'then' and 'when,' gently guide yourself back. What can you do right now—the only time you truly have control over—that will make a positive difference in your life or the lives of those around you?