Step into the present

Imagine staring at the night sky on a clear night. Thousands of stars, each with slightly different characteristics to the next.

It would be an unusual notion to believe who we are as an individual is defined simply by how the stars appear, nor do we believe we posses a particular star. So when we observe the stars, we do not become identified with them.

It is a fair comparison to equate the randomness of the stars to our thoughts. Most thoughts which we experience are a byproduct of the conditioned mind. Just like the stars, we shouldn’t try to own our thoughts and they don’t define us. They are bits of information. But our relationship with thinking, and thoughts, is of great significance.

When we engage with these thoughts regularly, or an action follows these thoughts, we are reinforcing them and giving them far greater significance than they deserve. They can feel ‘fixed’ and almost like rules.

When we subconsciously attach our sense of self to thoughts they become a part of our identity. The line between ‘I’ and ‘the story I tell myself’ becomes increasingly harder to distinguish.

The problem with this is the continuous conditioned internal voice which most of us experience will interpret, judge and ultimately take us away from the present moment, the here and now.

Step into the present

This is something which is quite a universal feature of my counselling sessions - because we can all greatly benefit from utilising it. Many mental difficulties are born out of the conditioning of the mind. Being present brings us out and away from the conditioned mind.

Being present underpins Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) but is also grounded in spirituality. There is a saying which implies there is no fear or suffering in the present moment. Being present reduces mind activity to the point where redundant, pointless, thinking cease to exist.

Perhaps more specific, the conditioned mind no longer dictates our life through various thoughts and actions.

Ask yourself how many thoughts which you experience are dwelling on past events? Or perhaps the thoughts you experience are projected into a future uncertain moment, and dwelling on ‘what ifs’?

When you are able to be fully present, those thoughts are removed from your mind. Something else takes the place and becomes primary - presence.