Time passes, or at least it seems to; and often at super-speed.
I experience one moment, inhale; exhale, and adapt to a new moment. This is how the past flows into the future. Regardless of my active participation, time elapses.
That little blip between experiences…that tiny bridge between the past and the future–that’s the only place to actively choose. Personally, I’ve found a lot of peace being fully aware of myself in that space. There are a multitude of suggestions on how to live in the present tense.
It seems silly that we even have to be “aware” that we are in the present moment. But the “now” moves with us, so it’s hard to be stuck behind (thinking of the past) or planning ahead (thinking of the future.
What are some ways to bring awareness into the present moment?
Bring awareness to your present moment
A practice that can assist is creating a journal practice. Reading the way you described a memory in the past helps show the futility of living far from the present. A journal allows us to study ourselves; various versions of “me” that fade from memory. Words written today become a sneaky way to time travel in the future.
When journaling we often use narration. We turn our thoughts into a story and then our brain tries to make sense of the story. With a continuous journal practice you can reflect on how these stories have developed and begin to see patterns and intricacies in your recollections.
Another benefit of journaling to self-discover is that when dwelling in that micro-space of time, you uncover a lot of ugly fears lurking around. Stay away from the bridge–they say, you’re safe in the past!
Fear is tricky and icky. but there is something endearing about it. Fear can seem to be protecting you from harm, instead of holding your back from choosing to actively move into your future.
The Fire Swamp of Fear
Any Wesley and Buttercup fans out there? I’m picturing the fire swamp here. For those that haven’t had the joy of watching “The Princess Bride” at an innocent age, it’s basically a spooky cave that the characters must traverse to get to the other side. (If you’ve not seen it, give it a watch!)
Wesley and Buttercup must go through the swamp to get to living the future they desire. The swap represents fear in our mind. When something triggers an emotion, fear sneaks in and tells us that there is quicksand and fire bursts and giant scary rodents. It feels safer to stay in the past, not to brave the fear in hopes of a better future.
How many times has fear held you back? How to do the work to accept fear?
Do the Work
Accepting your fear is a personal endeavor. Writing is the way that I, personally, am able to uncover my fears and start to make my way through the fire swamp. Writing in my journal allows me to be in the present moment, writing about a past moment in hopes of creating a better future.
The human neurological system is mind-blowing. The brain is the most complex network imaginable. Using your mind to work through negative emotions for perspective shifts and personal development.
A journal is a place where you can be completely authentic. Don’t journal according to any rules. I’m proposing a process of intentional thought and reflection. It’s about grounding yourself fully in the present moment.
So why choose to journal? There are a lot of other ways to achieve the same grounding Find yours! If you haven’t, here are 4 reasons to journal, according to a self-described journal expert (might be me):
- To work through emotion
- To know yourself
- As a meditation practice
- As entertainment (I enjoy trying to decipher how my brain works)
Uncovering unique thought:
Nearly every admirable philosopher kept a journal of some kind. And among a lot of rambling and deeply personal entries, treasures of unique thought can be found.
I am a student of philosophy. I love the art of using our capabilities to explore thought in new and evolving ways. I find that penning thoughts and ideas, turning these mental creations inside out, is the quality that draws me to my journal.
Finding the right questions to ask yourself and then telling yourself the answers; that is the beauty of self discovery. Writing in a journal is a common practice, supported by therapists and counselors around the world. And for good reason; writing in a journal can help you work through heavy experiences in life, nurturing your growth along the way.
If you could hold up a mirror and see into your inner self, what would you see? What do your thoughts look like?
A journal resembles what I think you would see in a magic thought mirror. A person that is trying to evaluate choices, thoughts and emotions. When you gain clarity into what you truly desire in life you are better able to make informed decisions about the direction you want to go next.
Let those thoughts fly.