Personal Development And The Extraordinary Power Of Now
August 7, 2010 by selfimprove
If you’re keen on personal development or self improvement, you’ll have some understanding of the importance placed by many experts on being focused in the present moment. Ekhart Tolle’s ‘The Power of Now’ emphasizes the virtues of what might be described as presence of mind. However, Tolle, together with other personal development ‘gurus’, doesn’t either adequately explain why ‘Now’ is just so important or, indeed, give practical advice on being more present.
First off, now is the only place and time that actually exists – the past is what you learn from (although psychology proves that most of us don’t learn but subconsciously live there) and the future is something that will only transpire the way you want if you’re prepared to be focused and effective in the here and now. Also, quantum physics tells us that the universe only exists now – and it confirms that universal energy responds to our energy – now. In simple terms, it is vital to be present. Being present gives you ‘presence’ – the hallmark of all successful people.
The big problem is that we’re not present. Our subconscious is focused in our so-called formative years, whilst our conscious mind is plagued by useless thought – thoughts tending towards negative self-doubt and worry. As a result it’s little surprise that research suggests that the normal mind is only one percent present. If that’s true you’re extremely unlikely to elicit much response from an otherwise responsive universe.
In short, it’s vital that you become more present. But how? Being present means being focused on what you’re doing and where you are now. The majority of, according to many surveys, are not focused on what they’re doing, preferring instead to do what they’re doing whilst thinking that they don’t like what they’re doing! Also, most of us haven’t understood the simplicity of what focus actually is. Focus means paying attention – nothing else. It means tuning into the reality of the moment, using the only mechanism that’s available to you to do this – your five senses. These are your sole interface with the world. Yet we pay little attention to what our senses are telling us, we prefer to let our subconscious put its own interpretation on reality. We all use our preconceived notions to make sense of now and, as a result, make utter nonsense of it.
You’ve got to relearn how to pay attention. We were all expert at this when we were young children. The simplest way to start re-learning is to set some time aside to re-focus one sense at a time. I suggest that you find somewhere quiet to sit tomorrow morning. Close your eyes and notice how all the sounds around you become more pronounced. They’re not, of course, you’re just paying more attention. Notice your body’s sensations – feelings that you wouldn’t notice when you’re normally inattentive. Next morning you might spend a few minutes noticing how your body reacts when you breathe. Five minutes each morning will vastly affect your ability to pay attention for the rest of the day – you’ll be more present, more focused, more tuned into what’s going on and the opportunities the moment offers.
Then you can start measuring your improved focus by reference to your results. You’ll be more responsive to situations and people that they might otherwise fail to see or avoid completely, you’ll be more open to doing things that you wouldn’t otherwise do. And, on the basis that the one thing that has your life stuck in a rut is the fact that you rarely do anything different, bold or courageous, this can only be a good thing. Through your presence you will not just be open to new opportunity – you’ll actually create your own opportunities. The net result is that, at least, your life will move forward – for the better. At most, your life will never be the same – you will achieve effortless and measurable, success and happiness.
Related posts:
