Power of Now

Do you ever catch yourself thinking about something that happened some time ago, or even something that may or may not happen in the future? Chances are that you’re like most people, and you regularly think about something from the past, or you’re focused on something that could happen in the future. You’re not here—you’re not living in the now, and you fail to utilize what I call the “power of now,” which can dramatically improve your life in ways you never thought possible.

If you want to achieve success and happiness, start living in the now. Be here now by experiencing the present moment for the gift that it is. We all live in the present moment, but very few of us utilize the power of now.

The only thing that exists is what is happening right now. The past doesn’t exist; it’s over with and should be nothing but a fading memory. The future doesn’t exist; it hasn’t happened yet. The past and the future are only a part of your thoughts and memories. They only exist in your mind and not in reality.

The only thing that exists right now is the present moment, and from this present moment you can draw tremendous power, the kind of power that can change your life and allow you to achieve your goals. You may not like the present moment, but that’s only because you think that the present should be different. You’re comparing the present moment to something else and not appreciating what is happening right now. You’re either focusing on mistakes of the past, or you’re consumed with the future. You’re probably thinking about what the now should be instead of dealing with what is going on.

If you don’t have a job, then it’s time to look for one. I know you’re probably looking for work, but don’t focus on the fact that you don’t have a job, and don’t focus on how difficult it may seem to get a job. Simply concentrate on going out and getting that job. At the end of the day, see where you are, and focus on what needs to be done next. If your children need attention right now, then give them attention. If you need to go out and look for work right now, then do it. Don’t compare your present situation to anything; accept what it is and make the most of it with the intention of making the present better.

I’m not saying that you should accept your present situation and do nothing to improve it. Instead, deal with your present situation, and do everything you can to improve your life. When you begin living in the present moment with the intent of improving your life, you begin to utilize the power of now; you leave the past in the past, you don’t concentrate on the future, and you start doing everything that you can to improve your life in the present. You send a powerful message to your subconscious mind. You tell your subconscious that you’re here now and ready to get to work to improve your life. It then begins working for you because your subconscious only understands the present moment. Your subconscious does not understand the future or the past.

While many of you will be able to understand the concept of living in the now and working with the power of the present moment, practicing it is another thing. To work with the power of now, you have to get your mind to work differently. You have to get your mind to simply focus on what is happening and what needs to be done right now. No more comparing, and no more hoping for things to get better. Just deal with what is and what has to be done. You then start moving forward, and you allow your subconscious mind to help you achieve your goals because you are here now, working with your subconscious to create the situation that you want.

The only thing that is taking place right now is the present moment. As you read this article, that’s all that you are doing. When you are done, the moment that you are currently experiencing will never happen again! The only reason that people are unhappy is because they fail to live in the present moment, and they fail to embrace the now. If you’re at work, focus on work. If you’re at home, focus on the home. If you’re with friends, focus on your friends. You’ll then release your subconscious mind, and it will help you to improve your life.

How to Live in the Now

If you’re ready to start living in the now and to begin creating the life that you want, then take a look at your present situation, and ask yourself what’s wrong with the moment you are in. Don’t think about what happened yesterday or sometime in the past. Don’t focus on what might or might not happen tomorrow. Take a look at the moment you are in, and see if there is anything wrong. I want you to focus your mind on what is happening, then see what is wrong with that picture.

You should find nothing wrong with the present moment—it is what it is, and once you accept it, you can start living again.

Let’s face it: you can’t turn off your mind, but you can get it to work differently, and that’s what you should start doing. If you don’t take control of your mind, your mind will control you—and that’s not going to help you to improve your life.

Ask yourself some questions.

* Do you find yourself waiting for something to happen?
* Are you waiting for more time?
* Are you waiting to make more money?
* Are you waiting to meet the right person?
* Are you waiting for the right opportunity?

Waiting is another game the mind plays because it doesn’t want to live in the present moment. If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you’re not living in the now.

I know that you can’t live in the now 24 hours a day, but start by using these techniques for a few minutes each day, and then continue expanding the exercise. Track your progress. See how you feel when you only focus on what is happening right now, and you’ll begin to enjoy the process.

Here’s a suggestion: the next time you’re driving or walking, pay attention only to what is happening around you. Listen to the sounds, and observe the people. Don’t think about what you have to do or what happened yesterday or what might happen in the future. Focus only on what is happening at that moment. You’ll then start living in the present moment, and before you know it you’ll be able to focus your mind and utilize the power of now.

Be here now, and you’ll start changing your life instantly.

** This article is one of 101 great articles that were published in 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life. To get complete details on “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life”, visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/greatways.html