Chai Time Ruminations

When we meditate or practice mindfulness, we’re often told to simply be—to be here, in the now, and stay still. We learn to notice our thoughts without judging them, allowing them to come and go without fighting them; we just accept them. A key way to help us be present is to focus on our breath, which keeps us anchored in the here and now.

Lao Tzu said: “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” Think about it: How often are we truly here, right now? How often are we fully present and aware, experiencing each moment without being weighed down by regrets about what has already happened or worries about what might happen sooner or later?

Eckhart Tolle, in his book “The Power of Now,” highlights the present moment is all we have. He tells us to make the ‘NOW’ the most important thing in our lives. It seems the present moment is incredibly powerful. What we do with our time today and right now, will further shape our next moment and future. Yet, we often weaken this power by dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, both of which have a direct impact on how we experience the present.

So, let’s try to be here, in the now. Let’s become more aware of our thoughts and pay attention to what we’re doing at this very moment, because this moment is where life happens. The ‘Here and Now’ is where the magic is!

Let’s do a simple activity to get you in the here and now- Sit comfortably.

-Bring your attention to a single sound in your environment.

-Identify its source (where is it coming from).

-Note its intensity (loud or soft). Describe its quality (harsh or pleasant).

-Observe how it changes over the next few seconds (becoming stronger, fading, or remaining constant).

-Once done, take a deep breath and relax: Take a deep breath, inhaling slowly and fully. Exhale completely.

-Relax your shoulders, letting go of any tension.

And you’re now here, in the present moment.