Paying Attention
What 'The Moment' means to me
Due to the response I received about my recent article “The Purity of Natural Law,” I decided to move forward with posting a second ‘Page’ from my upcoming book (which I plan to release in 2024). This page covers how I choose to practice the concept of Being… of ‘living in the moment.’
If you are involved in any online community which has diversity-of-thought, you have undoubtedly heard someone mention this ‘living in the moment’ precept, also described as ‘being fully present.’ An ancient practice oft bearing the designation ‘Mindfulness,’ it has its roots in early Buddhism and (like Sun Tzu’s, ‘The Art of War) has been adapted for western living.
[It has been argued that the Christ himself taught a form of Mindfulness, within the Jewish principles of the time; I make no assertions one way or the other on the validity of this, only mention it as an interesting sidebar.]
Of course, when any adaptation occurs elements of the original practice will get lost in the mix, especially when said-practice is over two millennia old. Due to translation issues stemming from language disparities, combined with radically different cultural traditions? This loss is natural, even to be expected.
Through research it dawned on me that the system of ‘Being’ to which I work to adhere is not true Mindfulness, as it was practiced then or is practiced now. (I say ‘work to’ because I am no master of it, for it is truly a livelong process.)
For example, a major tenant of that practice is deep, intensive meditation. While I do meditate (a ‘Page’ about that will eventually be posted), my approach to ‘the moment’ is instead rooted in the act of willful awareness.
As such, since I do not practice true Mindfulness, and since I frequently mention embracing the moment in my posts… a new explanation was necessary. What you find below is what ‘living in the moment’ means to me; as noted, it is a ‘Page’ from the aforementioned book, and thus my personal canon on the subject.
PAGE OF THE MOMENT
This moment, the very one you are living in right now, is begging for your attention. Slow down, breathe, and embrace it.
Wasteful of time and energy are we, agonizing over all which has passed and all that is to come. We suffocate ourselves with memories and regrets of the past, while deluding ourselves with schemes and fantasies designed to create the future. We fret the yesterdays, fear the tomorrows, while ignoring the very moment permeating us. This moment. Right now. The only moment where you truly exist. Pay attention to it.
Pay attention to the entirety of this moment. Remain aware of what is occurring around, above, below, and within you... every detail, every distinction, every sensation. The sights, aromas, sounds, tastes… the thoughts, emotions, and touches. Live this moment as if it is your last, for eventually will it be.
Pay attention to all that surrounds you. Gaze upon the distant stars, allowing their radiances to fill you with wonder. Embrace the rays of Sun and Moon, for these project the vibrations of (Providence). Feel the changes in the weather and absorb the beauty created by both nature and hands, connecting with all forms of life which cross your vision.
Pay attention to they in your sphere, reading energies and listening to words and watching actions, that you may know who edifies your Koa (soul) and who is toxic to it. Pay attention to all which you project, that you reflect well upon your own Koa, making not a spectacle of yourself.
Pay attention to how you breathe, that you squander not the gift of life. Pay attention to what and how you eat, and the well-being of your vessel (body). Pay attention to all which you do, that your every moment be filled with graceful vitality.
Pay attention, for you are guaranteed nothing from this life except this - this moment; commit to it, and free yourself from the debilitating forces of remorse and yearning and fear. Allow that which has passed to transform into wisdom, and that which is to come the means to create itself, based on each moment you have savored. One after another.
Pay attention, that you not only revere the moment, but that the moment itself may revere you in return. Pay attention… pay attention.
After-Thoughts
As I made clear above, this is not ‘new’ knowledge, but instead based on edicts tested by time and Nature. With that noted, I do believe there are acceptable differences from existing traditions to allow for a Page of my own on the subject, hence what you read above.
As always, my dedication to brevity remains passionate; as such, these Pages are tersely written, and a bit baroque in style. They not designed as technical blueprints for constructing your metaphorical house, where every action you should take in every situation is rigidly choreographed in advance.
No, they are instead intended to provide an strong foundation upon which you can build your own house, filtered through the lens of your own cultural and spiritual backgrounds. Consider with an active mind and open spirit, then trust yourself - and your connection with Providence - no matter what conclusions you may draw.
As for future releases of ‘Pages’ from my book project? I will continue to drop more of those over the next few weeks, and plan to release the entire collection in 2024. For now, however, we shall return to regularly-scheduled shenanigans.
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Holy shit that was well excavated and written. Well, I'm off to adhere to this much appreciated reminder and going to shut shit down for the night and do my kundalini yoga and eat some FOOD, two important things that i can neglect when distracted and not in this moment. This was so beautifully written though I found myself wanting to restack every paragraph like a psychopath. Thank you.
Love this! I believe it’s this type of mindset that enables us to break away from the artificial world we’ve created and return back to the roots of what it means to be human so we may properly exercise dominion over our home, also known as Earth.