Living in the Now

Suzanne Mercier - Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Over the past few days, I've been living and working out of a friend's house in Seaforth, right on the water.  Every morning (very early), the rowers are out training with their coaches in speedboats alongside. 

I got to thinking that when we're engaged in something that requires intense concentration and requires us to use our talents, skills and experiences, we are operating in the present and most likely in flow.  There's no room for worrying about whether we're good enough in that moment.  It doesn't even occur to us.  We're engaged in great work, whatever that might be.  No fear exists ... because fear only exists when we live in the future.

In the present, we can be totally connected with who we are and what we're capable of.  We can identify our strengths and the areas where we can make our unique contribution.  In the present, we can choose to act  ... or not ... because choice only exists in the present.

Now I'm not saying we shouldn't spend any time thinking about the future and planning for desired outcomes.  I am suggesting that we pay attention to how much time we spend in the future and become aware of how much of that time is actually constructive (creating the future we want) versus destructive (triggering anxiety and fear).  Once we're aware of the ratio, we can choose - in the present - to change it.

What do you think?  I'd love to hear.
All the very best
Suzanne