“The present moment is the
substance with which the future is
made. Therefore, the best way to
take care of the future is to take
care of the present moment. What
else can you do?”
Thích Nhất Hạnh
We're back. We had a little break, but we like thinking about things too much and there are too many wonderful words written to not spend time with them, so here we go again...
I chose Thich Nhat Hanh today, partly because I love his words and partly because he is very ill and I wanted to honour him somehow for his gentle work for peace. He suffered a massive stroke a few months back and is quietly living and breathing in a gentle, coma-like state.
As we face a new year and our minds turn to planning and hoping and wishing and promising ourselves, it seems good to be reminded that whilst we may like (as I do) to have plans, that we shouldn't let them rule our lives and be the only source of guidance. To do so, means you miss out on living a bit I think.
On the one hand I realise the deep and everlasting truth of Thich Nhat Hanh's statement; on the other hand I struggle to really believe that all shall be well if I just leave it up this moment to do stuff.
Perhaps it's true because I am using this moment to plan?
It's possibly about actually doing things now that will be useful tomorrow or prepare you for the future - that in fact each thing we do should be valued for its role in making the future. Perhaps its as simple as realising that sitting down and reading a book is a good way to ensure that you will be more relaxed tomorrow?
I'm sure it is very helpful when you are fearful or anxious of the future, tomorrow or even the next hour or so. We can do little about what will happen in those times ahead; the best we can do is focus on being present, here and now and doing whatever we can in this moment to look after ourselves or others and prepare for what comes.
I think for me, I can get to the point of understanding that it helps remove worry and anxiety by giving a bit of perspective, and still allows me to use the moment to prepare for the future. It doesn't really mean never think about the future, just see what happens moment by moment...
One of my favourite Thich Nhat Hanh quotes - peace is every step in a wee book.
Wishing you all a year of wonder, creativity, sharing, learning and peace. ..
Thích Nhất Hạnh
We're back. We had a little break, but we like thinking about things too much and there are too many wonderful words written to not spend time with them, so here we go again...
I chose Thich Nhat Hanh today, partly because I love his words and partly because he is very ill and I wanted to honour him somehow for his gentle work for peace. He suffered a massive stroke a few months back and is quietly living and breathing in a gentle, coma-like state.
As we face a new year and our minds turn to planning and hoping and wishing and promising ourselves, it seems good to be reminded that whilst we may like (as I do) to have plans, that we shouldn't let them rule our lives and be the only source of guidance. To do so, means you miss out on living a bit I think.
On the one hand I realise the deep and everlasting truth of Thich Nhat Hanh's statement; on the other hand I struggle to really believe that all shall be well if I just leave it up this moment to do stuff.
Perhaps it's true because I am using this moment to plan?
It's possibly about actually doing things now that will be useful tomorrow or prepare you for the future - that in fact each thing we do should be valued for its role in making the future. Perhaps its as simple as realising that sitting down and reading a book is a good way to ensure that you will be more relaxed tomorrow?
I'm sure it is very helpful when you are fearful or anxious of the future, tomorrow or even the next hour or so. We can do little about what will happen in those times ahead; the best we can do is focus on being present, here and now and doing whatever we can in this moment to look after ourselves or others and prepare for what comes.
I think for me, I can get to the point of understanding that it helps remove worry and anxiety by giving a bit of perspective, and still allows me to use the moment to prepare for the future. It doesn't really mean never think about the future, just see what happens moment by moment...
One of my favourite Thich Nhat Hanh quotes - peace is every step in a wee book.
Wishing you all a year of wonder, creativity, sharing, learning and peace. ..
It's a beautiful quote, Fiona. Thank you. I have just written it out on a card to display on my desk. Wishing you all the very best for 2015. Ax
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you to Annie - and hope you enjoy the quote and its gentle reminder thru the year.
DeleteThat little squeak of delight that you no doubt heard just now was my joy at the return of your wonderful Thursday Thoughts. It's great to have something to ponder that doesn't involve fixing lunches or snacks or finding the overdue library book...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
You know what? I heard the squeak as soon as I published! ; ) I hope you continue to enjoy Th Th thru the year...
DeleteWhat a lovely gift to us for the new year...thank you for bringing back your Thursday Thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Pam - it felt good to start on 1 January, the first Thursday...
DeleteYay! I've missed these posts! Glad Thursday Thoughts are back. xox
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to know they make you happy Robyn - I hope I can keep up the standards!
Delete...your Thursday Thoughts is what drew me into your blog several years ago...glad to see them back...
ReplyDeleteThat's so lovely to know Fran - and I am glad that you welcome them back. Go well.
DeleteMagic Days!
ReplyDeleteAh, that's lovely to hear Mo!
Delete~how i have missed your comforting wisdom and thoughts to ponder...your gentle nature which wraps one up and leaves you lost in your own mind...contemplating...dear fiona...may 2015 continue to bring you here in this space...writing and creating is such beautiful ways...its sometimes a tangled mess of doing and accepting or accepting than doing...lol...so much truth be said in be present and take each moment as it comes...much love light and blessings be with you~
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Brandi - it's good to be back sharing them; I missed them myself. Life offers so much - the future and the moment, and somehow we muddle our way thru...go well.
DeleteWhat a beautiful - and comfortingly familiar - sight to have your Thursday Thoughts back again...a lovely way to begin the new year.
ReplyDeleteI have always struggled with how to divide my time between the present, the future, and even the past, but I am recognizing, more & more, the value of spending time in the present - of seeing the joy & beauty in each day...
That said, it will be nice to look forward to your thoughts on Thursdays!
Thanks Lisa - I think I have made progress with being more present, but I still love to ponder and plan the future, so just have to keep working to keep the balance right...go well in your moments.
Delete