I’d like to pass something on to y’all.
If you’re in mental health, you already know this one. This is for people who haven’t been to therapy (or don’t practice certain forms of meditation or philosophy).
Few ACTUAL MOMENTS suck. It’s what you’re thinking about that sucks.
Seriously.
I’ll use myself as an example. I’m anxious about supply chains.
Am I currently experiencing any real deprivation? Well, no. I just had breakfast and a nice cup of coffee. My fridge has many days of meals in it.
Right now, in this moment, the thing that sucks is the worrying, not what I am actually experiencing.
What I am actually experiencing is a full stomach, a tasty cup of coffee, a comfortable chair, and time writing. I like all of those things and find them pleasant to experience.
I am not trying to say that it is easy to pull yourself back to the moment. It isn’t. It’s tough. I’m not saying that if you’re in distress and worrying, it’s All Your Fault for Being Lazy. I. Am. Not. I have been worrying a lot and then pulling myself back to the present every time I think about things I’m scared of unless there’s an action I genuinely need to take. It’s a process and a practice, and I think it’s worth doing.
Could things go all to hell? Yes. Absolutely. I won’t face it any better from being tied up in knots about it. In fact, it would be kind of a shame to waste the days of safety and comfort I am actually experiencing.
If you want a tool that’s a good practice for this sort of focus, you could check out my free Minimalist Bullet Journal Course. It’s practical and hands-on, requiring no skills or equipment but some paper and the ability to read and write. For all that I’m high tech, this low tech solution focuses your mind wonderfully on the present.
Nicely said!