We’ve all heard the saying, Be in the moment.

Many of us have a grasp of what that means. To me, I consider my understanding of Buhdism of the concept of enlightenment; that there is this place or way to exist that is filled with peace and joy and an empty, open mind where one is connected with life in an ideal way.

However, being in the moment means something different to everyone. Can you be in the moment if you don’t know / understand the moment? Is perspective reality or is reality reality?

Of course, the answer is, reality is reality, and perspective gets in the way of reality.

Today, I’m thinking of this in terms of people getting in their own way. Do you know people that exaggerate and / or that don’t speak the truth? Do you know people that lack context in their rationalizations? People that have their own story about what’s happening, and you can’t help but ask, why is this person seeing things this way?

As I think of various examples I find common threads. There’s typically negativity. The perspective is often that, someone else is doing something I don’t like. Finger pointing, and this can completely cloud the person’s awareness.

So, awareness is a big part of knowing or of being in the moment. And, everyone will tell you that they think they’re self aware. So, does it come down to perspective? And, what about the idea of an empty mind? Can you be in the moment if you’re holding on to something? Holding something against someone(s)? Carrying weight from the past into the opportunity in front of you?

No. One can’t. I’ve experienced that evolved state of consciousness. The golden light. The empty, open mind. A state of being where I was living a more evolved existence.

It was temporary, but I was shown just how far We are from our potential. I was shown that heaven and hell exist on earth, and that it’s a matter of the mind; that our minds are getting in the way of a better way of living.

We’ve all got a story. Rather, stories. A past, and stories to ourselves about our circumstances; what’s happening to us right now, who we are, and what we’re doing; what our place is.

The truth is, we were never taught the right way to be. Our parents and theirs never understood the true nature of life. So, what is this life to you? What is your purpose? What are you trying to prove? For who? Why?

Do you believe in love? Do you believe in the idea of peace on earth? Are there certain questions like these that you ignore day in and day out? Is it your job to make a difference? Does it start with self?

As always, I hope my writing reaches someone(s), and that it has a positive affect. Food for thought if nothing else. My suggestion for you is to spend more time in meditation. No. Not necessarily on the floor, Indian style. But, with yourself, in a quiet place, where you can practice Not Thinking. Just be. With yourself and this beautiful life you have, just the way it is.