Live in the moment, right here and now, in the present. That is what most philosophies, coaches and guiding practitioners tell you to do these days. In today’s Connection Letter, I’ll share my perspectives on Connecting to past, present and future…
Connection to Life, Soul, Core
Connecting to Life, Others, Yourself is what life is all about. To me it is a way to find purpose in life and live life meaningfully. I do believe that besides surviving and evolving, Connecting is our other main activity and goal in life. As I also believe, everything is Connected. Everything.
The Past
As far as known, we humans are the only species who know that they know. This consciousness helped us evolve into the beings we are today. We’ve created language, music, art, science, books, materials to use and so much more. We also invented lots of concepts explained via all sorts of theories, philosophies, customs and norms.
One of the concepts is to live in the now, aka the present. For your piece of mind, I too believe it is important not to stay attached and thus Connect to the past too much. Often when people feel depressed it is due to a loss; we grieve the loss of a person, or a pet. Or losing a job, a relationship, something which was a big part of our life.
It is also possible that we feel sad about what could have been. Emotions and thoughts keeping us captured in the past, wishing the Connection was different to what we experienced in reality. This quote from a Shaolin Temple master explains it perfectly:
When this is the case for you, I think it is wise to try to let go of the past. As much as we want to, we can’t change it. And it for sure can be hard, however, leaving the past behind is usually the better choice. At times, disConnection can be a good thing; for a little while, or even forever.
Should we leave everything in the past? That is of course up to you, however, I believe there is a lot of wisdom to be found in our past. There is no need to invent new wheels for everything. Ancient herbal recipes for instance, are as helpful nowadays as they were centuries ago. Another example: In many religions, you can find ancient customs, norms and values which are still relevant today.
The past can be a great teacher, if we are open to learn from it. And willing to make Connections for the better, else we haven’t really learned, right?
The Present
What is it like, to live in the present? Is it about living every second of your life in the here and now, with no contemplation regarding the past or future? Well, that doesn’t only seem but is impossible. That would mean you would have no memories whatsoever and have zero plans for the future. I think you agree, being able to have memories and make future plans is also part of what makes us human.
To me, living in the moment, in the now and thus in the present is about a specific mindset, about living with intention and gratitude. Above all, about choosing thoughtfully your next step in the time you have left here on earth. Connecting to Life, Others, Yourself in a way that fits you as the unique human being you are.
Every day you can choose to reset, create new Connections, and/or to deepen your existing Connections. Maybe you even discover that disConnection is a choice needed to be made. Decide what you want to take with you from the past into the present. Beliefs, decisions made, possessions, even people. Figure out what works for you in the present and what you are going to take with you into the future.
The Future
In the present, we have become, and thus are what we have been taught in the past combined with our past experiences. You may have already added some self gathered knowledge, started to develop your own view of life. It could be, you became aware you have been climbing the wrong mountain.
The best thing; the future can be whatever you decide you want it to be.
Based upon the values, the basic needs and wants important to you, you can design visions, strategies and goals for your life. Add pieces of wisdom from our ancestors plus modern knowledge that sounds logical to you. This will result in meaningful Connections and thus, everyone’s ultimate goal, a meaningful life.
Questions which might help:
What do you want to be able to do in five, ten, twenty years?
Is what you take with you from the past and what you are doing today enabling you to live your envisioned future?
Are you climbing the right mountain, or is it time to hop over to another one?
Stay Connected ; -)
Surviving, evolving, Connecting together: Intentional, grateful, realistic.
Warm regards,
Patty Wolters
Previous Connection Letters you can find here: The Connection Letter
