How difficult is it for you to be present? Do you find your mind wandering to politics or other topics during conversations and when completing tasks? Reflect on which activities force you to focus.
Perhaps reading an interesting book or blog post narrows your attention span. I hope so because otherwise, I wrote this for nothing.
Physical activities like exercise might also reduce distractions.
Why start this week’s blog post with a discussion on presence? There is power in now.
For years, I've heard about Eckhart Tolle's book The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. Last week, I spotted a copy in the breakroom at work and picked it up. I finished it in four days.
Tolle’s words pushed me to think and absorb his contemporary interpretations of ancient teachings. He pulls from Buddha, Zen philosophies, and Christ to explain how the present moment in our lives is sacred time. The book came right on time for me.
Occasionally, I struggle.
See the header picture. While running on Saturday, I passed a cow grazing on the edge of my route. Instead of focusing on stride, pace, or the distance ahead, I paused and took a picture.
Growing up in Chicago, I didn't see cows outside the zoo. While I’ve lived in Antigua for over six years, the sight of livestock roaming the streets remains bizarre. My city and suburban upbringing prevents me from disconnecting cows, goats, horses, and chickens from rural communities.
Thankfully, my fascination with farm animals doesn’t surface when I drive. Can you imagine the explanation for the car accident?
“What happened?”
“Well, Officer, see, what happened was, I saw a cow...”
Nope, that will not work. The officer will issue a citation.
Exercising and writing often force me to focus, but sometimes, I experience lapses in concentration. I drift to thoughts about how to provide more for my family, the next writing project, and tomorrow’s workout. I am everywhere but in the present moment.
In Eckhart Tolle's book, he says we are unconscious when we allow our minds to dwell in the past or the future. Conscious living begins in the NOW. It's not easy to reach this state of being, but it's worth trying to realize our present potential.
Read the rest of this blog post aloud. Active reading strategies support reading texts aloud to deepen comprehension. You will get more from your reading time when you hear yourself repeat the words on the page.
The volume doesn't matter. A whisper is enough to reduce distractions and enhance clarity if you're in a public space. I shared this advice with the young campers on campus this week.
Turn off or silence your phone. Notifications disrupt trains of thought. The less you scroll on devices leads to more present moments like this.
Stop!
If you can focus on now, you can feel your chest rising. Put your palm over your heart and acknowledge the divine beat. Appreciate the flow of life moving through your body.
We have now. Who knows what will happen if Trump and his Project 2025 win? This moment during this second is critical.
Subscribe now for future blog posts delivered to your inbox. Yes, that contradicts the teachings of this post, but go with it and purchase one of my books before you leave.
See the video below in honor of my dad’s 50 years of pastoring churches in the US. It shares glimpses into his efforts to be a present father to six children.
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