Start Living Your Best Life, Today!

Many years ago, my work took me to the lavishly decorated penthouse of a client who was a retired physician. I remember being in awe of the magnificent collection of books that lined the walls of his home.

“Your book collection is truly amazing,” I remember saying as I entered his beautiful home.

“Well, I worked very hard all my life, and one of my little pleasures outside of work was to buy all the books I felt inspired to read. Unfortunately, because I was always so busy and worked very long hours, I had put off reading most of them. But I constantly reminded myself that one day, when I retire, I would read all these wonderful books,” he said. “Unfortunately, it is too late for that now.”

It was too late…because he had tragically gone blind from an illness.

I will never forget that heartbreaking moment, standing in that lovely room lined with some of the most wonderful works of literature ever published. To this day, it reminds me of the importance of doing the things that bring us joy while we can.

The moral of the story is that although the blind doctor did wonderful things for his patients and the medical profession, he didn’t take much time for his own joy and fulfillment in the present moment.

This is why we need to live our lives in the now! Too often we put off our passions because we think there’s always time. But living fully in the present allows us to appreciate each moment, which fuels joy and fulfillment.

We tend to focus too much on the past or the future instead of the now. We put things off until tomorrow or the next day, and in the process we keep precious life energy from flowing into some of our most joyful experiences in the present moment.

Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

There is really no point in dwelling on the past. There is also no point in beating ourselves up over what we did not accomplish years ago. What serves us well instead is to take the valuable lessons we have learned from our past mistakes, failures and disappointments and use them to move forward. That is all that matters. Mission accomplished!

Worrying about the future is also pointless. It usually means that we underestimate our power as creators and don’t see the greater purpose of our existence and that we are part of a divine plan much larger than ourselves. My husband used to say, “Stop worrying, woman, we could all get hit by a meteor tomorrow and what a waste of energy all this worrying would have been!”

It is no coincidence that living consciously and striving to be fully present in the moment is a central theme in many spiritual, esoteric, and mystical traditions. While the terminology and approaches may vary, the essence of these teachings is rooted in cultivating mindfulness, self-awareness, and an intimate connection with the present experience, because it is integral to living our best lives as incarnated spiritual beings.

Buddhist Mindfulness & Presence

In Buddhism, the practice of mindfulness, or sati, is considered fundamental. Mindfulness is the act of being fully aware of one’s thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the present moment without judgment.

The Buddhist path encourages practitioners to cultivate mindfulness through meditation and daily awareness activities, to constantly bring one’s attention back to the present, where suffering diminishes and insight into the nature of reality arises.

The Buddha’s teachings emphasize that the mind often drifts between regrets of the past and fears of the future, but it is in the present moment that we find true clarity and peace. This awareness leads to liberation from the cycle of suffering (samsara) and promotes compassion for oneself and others.

Hindu Philosophy & The Power Of The Present

Hinduism offers deep insights into consciousness through the concepts of atman (the self) and brahman (universal consciousness). The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of karma yoga – performing one’s duties without attachment to the result – a practice that encourages living in the present. By focusing on actions in the here and now, one is set free from worrying about future consequences.

Yoga, a spiritual discipline central to the Hindu tradition, thus teaches techniques such as pranayama (breath control) and asanas (postures) to cultivate embodiment and a deep connection with the present moment. Awareness of breath and physical movement brings the practitioner into a state of presence, aligning body, mind, and spirit.

If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present…gratefully ~ Maya Angelou

Esoteric Traditions & Conscious Awareness

Esoteric traditions such as Hermeticism, Theosophy, and the teachings of mystics like G.I. Gurdjieff place a strong emphasis on conscious awareness and self-remembering.

Gurdjieff taught that most people live in a kind of “waking sleep,” going through life unconsciously and reacting automatically to external stimuli. True freedom, according to Gurdjieff, comes from awakening one’s consciousness and becoming fully aware of one’s inner and outer experiences.

The Hermetic principle of “as above, so below” also encourages one to look within and understand that by observing and mastering your inner state, you can influence the outer world. In this tradition, self-awareness is linked to spiritual ascension and a deeper understanding of universal laws.

Theosophy views consciousness as the key to understanding the deeper truths of existence. Theosophists teach that through mindfulness and conscious living, individuals can access higher levels of spiritual wisdom and gain insight into the eternal nature of the soul.

Sufi Mysticism & The Divine Presence

In Sufi mysticism, the concept of dhikr, or remembrance, is integral to living with more awareness. Dhikr involves the repetitive recitation of God’s name and attributes and helps the practitioner remain attuned to the divine in each moment. Sufis believe that the more one becomes aware of God’s presence, the more one’s ego dissolves, allowing one to live in a state of divine love and unity.

Rumi, a renowned Sufi poet, often spoke of the beauty of being fully present, writing, “The moment you accept what you’ve been given, the door will open.” For Sufis, living in the present is a doorway to experiencing divine love and the eternal now.”

Taoism & The Flow Of Life

In Taoism, living in harmony with the tao (the way) is considered key to spiritual fulfillment. Taoist teachings encourage one to go with the flow of life, remaining present and accepting each moment as it comes. The Tao Te Ching advises that by being fully present and not resisting the natural course of events, one can live a life of peace and balance.

In Taoism, presence is not about controlling life, but about aligning with its inherent flow. The practice of Tai Chi, a form of moving meditation, helps cultivate this sense of fluid awareness by grounding the practitioner in the present through breath and movement.

Today is life. The only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto ~ Dale Carnegie

Indigenous Spirituality & Natural Harmony

Indigenous spiritual traditions emphasize living in harmony with nature and being fully present in the cycles of the earth. In Native American spirituality, for example, deep awareness and presence are cultivated through ceremonies, rituals, and reverence for the natural world.

The practice of walking mindfully in nature, listening to the elements, and being fully attuned to one’s surroundings fosters a connection to the present. Consciousness in these traditions is seen as a way to honor the self and the earth as part of an interconnected web of life.

Christianity & Divine Providence

Christianity also teaches the importance of living with awareness and being fully present. Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). The Christian tradition encourages one to trust in God’s providence and to focus on living faithfully in the moment rather than worrying excessively about the future.

Christian mystics such as Brother Lawrence emphasized the practice of the “presence of God” in everyday tasks. In his book The Practice of the Presence of God, he speaks of cultivating an awareness of God’s presence in each moment, whether through prayer or daily activities such as cooking or cleaning. This teaching invites one to find holiness in the ordinary and to be fully present in their actions as a form of devotion to God.

Contemplative prayer, practiced by many Christian mystics such as St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, also encourages an inner silence that connects one to God in the present moment. In this quiet, receptive state, one can more fully experience God’s love in the “now,” free from the distractions of past or future concerns. For Christians, living with awareness is not just about personal mindfulness, but about remaining open to God’s guidance and providence in every moment of life.

Modern Metaphysics & Conscious Creation

In modern metaphysical traditions such as New Thought, living with awareness and being present in the moment is seen as essential not only for personal and spiritual growth, but also for successful manifestation.

New Thought emphasizes the power of the mind in shaping one’s reality, with teachings that stress the importance of consciously directing thoughts to align with spiritual principles such as love, abundance, and peace. By remaining fully aware of one’s thoughts and emotions in the present moment, one can tap into the creative power of the divine mind and manifest positive outcomes and personal transformation.

ot only is it important to be mindful and grounded in the now to live more joyfully, but it is also essential to what we create for our future. In order to manifest more good in our future, we must continually feed the positive intent of our creations, as opposed to blocking our future manifestations with self-sabotage, negativity, and fearful projections.

Across all of these traditions, living with awareness is not just a mental practice, but a spiritual path to self-realization, inner peace, and a deeper connection to the divine and the universe. Whether through meditation, breathwork, prayer, or mindful living, each tradition offers profound tools for becoming fully present and experiencing the richness of life in each moment.

Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry – all forms of fear – are caused by too much future, and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of non-forgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence ~ Eckhart Tolle

How To Start Living In The Now

To start living more passionately in the present moment, consider making some of these simple practices part of your daily routine:

Set intentions: Begin each day by setting a clear, purposeful intention the moment you wake up.

Practice mindfulness: Focus on your breath, sensations, or surroundings to center yourself.

Engage your senses: Notice the sounds, textures, and colors around you.

Take breaks: Pause throughout the day to reset and ground yourself.

Gratitude journaling: Write down things you’re grateful for each day.

Meditate or pray: Spend a few minutes each day in silent contemplation.

Do what you love: Dedicate time each week to your true passions.

Do a digital detox: Unplug from the gris and siwtch off your devices regularly to connect with real life.

Practice self-Compassion: Let go of past regrets and future fears.

Remember, the present is a gift – don’t wait until it’s too late to enjoy it. The power of being fully present is available to you, right here, right now. Embracing the moment opens the door to inner peace, clarity, and a deeper connection to your higher self, the divine and the world around you. Become more present today and allow yourself to experience the beauty and potential of each amazing moment.