In a world full of distractions and endless to-do lists, the concept of the “here and now” often seems to take a back seat. But the present moment is the key to true happiness. In this article, you will find out why living in the here and now is so crucial and how you can manage to fully savor every moment.

What is the ‘here and now’?

The ‘here and now’ describes the present moment, the moment you are currently experiencing. It is about focusing your attention fully on what is happening in this moment, without being distracted by thoughts of the past or future. When you live in the here and now, you are fully present, consciously aware of your surroundings and experience life more intensely. It is the state in which you are completely with yourself, without thoughts of what has been or what is yet to come throwing you off balance. In fact, it goes even deeper – this moment is in truth still behind all thoughts – you move away from the direction of your person, thoughts and feelings. In a time when multitasking and constant stress have become the norm, the here and now offers a refuge, a moment of calm and clarity.

What is time in the “here and now” called?

Time in the here and now is often referred to as the “present moment” or simply “the present”. But there are other terms that describe this state. In Sanskrit, the present moment is often referred to as “Kshana” (क्षण), which means “moment”. In the Hindi language, “Kshana” or “Pal” (पल) is also used to describe a very short period of time or moment. The terms “presence” and “consciousness” are also closely linked to the here and now. When you are in this state, you experience life more intensely and with a depth that is often lost in hectic everyday life. It is a way of conscious living that helps you to lose yourself less in external circumstances and instead find inner peace.

The importance of living in the “here and now”

Why is living in the here and now so important? Quite simply: because it is the only moment you can really experience. The past is over and the future is not yet here. If you are constantly preoccupied with what was or what could come, you miss out on what is right in front of you. Living in the here and now allows you to experience the present moment in its full depth, without it being clouded by worries or regrets. It brings you back to the roots of your being and gives you the opportunity to perceive the small and big wonders of life more consciously. It is a lifestyle that makes life easier.

What are the benefits of living in the “here and now”?

Living in the here and now has numerous benefits that go far beyond the mere feeling of contentment. Firstly, it helps you to reduce stress. When you live in the present moment, worries about the future or ruminations about the past become irrelevant. You learn to accept the moment as it is, which leads to a sense of inner peace. Secondly, it improves your relationships. When you are truly present, you perceive the people around you better, listen to them attentively and react more consciously. This strengthens trust and promotes a deeper understanding of each other. Thirdly, living in the here and now increases your quality of life and joie de vivre. You experience the world more intensely, discover joy in the little things and develop a simple appreciation for life. It is a simple but powerful non-method to get the best out of every day – in every moment.

How can I stop living in the past?

Letting go of the past can be a real challenge, especially if it is associated with pain or regret. But when you learn to leave it behind, you will realize how liberating it can be. The first step is to realize that the past cannot be changed. It’s over and the only thing you can control is how you deal with it today. One technique that is often recommended for this is forgiveness. This doesn’t just mean forgiveness towards others, but also towards yourself.

We often hold on to mistakes or hurts because we feel guilty or feel that things should have gone differently. But forgiveness allows you to let go of this baggage and focus on the present. Even though forgiveness is effective, there is a small tool that is even more effective than that – self-establishment – as recommended in Advaita Vedanta.

Enjoy life before it is too late

Life is short and no one knows how much time we have left. That’s why it’s so important to enjoy life here and now before it’s too late. We often tend to put things off – whether it’s that dream vacation we’ve always planned or the time we want to spend with our loved ones. But there comes a point when we realize that time is passing inexorably and we can’t make up for the precious moments. By becoming aware of this transience, you learn to enjoy life to the full. Make time for the things that are really important to you and set priorities that give your life meaning and fulfillment. Whether it’s taking a spontaneous trip, starting a long-delayed project or simply enjoying the beauty of the moment – life doesn’t wait, so make the most of it!

How do you manage to enjoy the moment?

Enjoying the moment is an art that you can learn. One key to this is often called mindfulness. By consciously concentrating on what you are doing and fully engaging with it, you experience the world much more intensely. Start by integrating small rituals into your everyday life that help you to be mindful. This could be a short meditation in the morning or a walk in nature where you enjoy every moment. Gratitude also plays an important role. If you learn to appreciate the beauty of the moment, gratitude will unfold naturally – without you having to do anything else. In addition to mindfulness, there is an even simpler tool for arriving in the moment: Self-foundation. Over time, you will find it easier and easier to enjoy the moment and experience life in all its fullness.

“Live in the here and now” – quotes and their meaning

Quotes have the power to inspire us and have a deep impact on us. Quotes that focus on life in the here and now in particular can help you to focus on the essentials. A well-known quote is: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.” This quote reminds us that the past is irrevocably gone and the future remains uncertain, while the present moment is a precious gift that we should take advantage of.

Another inspiring quote is: “Live in the moment before it becomes a memory.” It urges us to fully savor every moment before it becomes just part of our past. These quotes are beautiful words, and they carry deep wisdom. They can be useful – but what can really anchor you in the here and now are short diamond quotes that point to this eternal moment in terms of Advaita. From my experience, they can really stop the world and help you not only to focus on the here and now – you are then this moment.

Buddha and the “here and now”

Buddha taught us that living in the here and now is the key to a fulfilled and happy life. Mindfulness plays a central role in Buddhist philosophy. It teaches us to consciously perceive the present moment and to experience life in all its fullness. Buddha said: “The path is the goal.” This simple but profound wisdom reminds us that we should not constantly strive for a future goal, but that life itself, the present moment, is the true goal. By integrating the principles of Buddhism into your life, you can learn to live more consciously, free yourself from unnecessary worries and experience the moment in all its depth. Madhukar also called this moment the “Buddha mood”.

How do I learn to live in the moment?

Learning to live in the moment takes a little practice and patience, but it’s a skill you can develop. A good place to start is to regularly spend time with people who are practiced at savoring the moment. It will be contagious. That’s the idea behind being in satsang, being with others in this moment, in this simple truth. Meditation is a great way to calm your mind and focus on the present moment.

But with concentration you are still removed from this moment – it goes deeper. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes and let your breath flow. When thoughts arise, just let them pass by without judging them. Just be here. Another technique is to consciously focus on your senses: What do you hear? What do you see? What do you feel? By focusing on the sensory impressions, you bring yourself back into the moment again and again. But it is not necessary to create a special atmosphere for this. You can also live in the here and now during everyday activities. Whether you’re eating, walking or working – use self-awareness to fully enjoy every moment.

Being in the “here and now” – exercises and practices

There are many exercises and practices that can help you to be in the here and now. One of the simplest and most effective is the tool of self-awareness. People often only think of mindfulness meditation. But self-foundation is much simpler. Moreover, it is not a method, but a tool that brings you back to this moment again and again. You go much deeper with it – because you go beyond what is perceptible – you end up in pure being. When you consciously perceive your surroundings, as practiced through mindfulness, you are still trapped in the sensory world. With self-awareness, you go beyond this.

Sit quietly for a few minutes and observe what is happening around you. What sounds do you hear? What colors do you see? This exercise helps you to be present in the moment and perceive the world around you more intensely. Many people are already satisfied with this. However, this is not what is meant by “living in the moment” in the sense of Advaita. You orient yourself away from the person who has perceptions – pure being. But you don’t need the intermediate step of mindfulness for this – you can always apply it. Keeping a gratitude journal is also often recommended. It can be a powerful practice. Write down what you are grateful for every day and you will notice how your focus shifts to the positive aspects of your life. But even here you have not yet landed in being. Once there, gratitude unfolds naturally.

Tips for living in the “here and now”

If you want to live in the here and now, there are a few simple tips that can help you. Firstly, reduce distractions. Turn off your cell phone or put it aside when you need time for yourself. Secondly, consciously take time for breaks. In our hectic everyday lives, we often forget to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. Allow yourself regular short breaks in which you can focus entirely on yourself. Thirdly, practise gratitude. By focusing on the positive things in your life, you automatically direct your attention to the present moment.

And finally, be kind to yourself. If you notice that your thoughts are wandering, don’t judge yourself for it. Just gently bring your attention back to the here and now. Over time, you will notice how your life changes positively and you experience the moment more consciously. All of this can help you to find it easier to apply self-awareness – which, from an Advaita perspective, is the only tip for being in the ‘here and now’.

Living in the here and now according to Advaita

Advaita, an ancient Indian philosophy, teaches us non-duality – the realization that everything is one. In this understanding, there is no separation between you and the universe, between the self and the other. Living in the here and now according to Advaita means giving up the illusion of separation and realizing that what you are looking for is already here. Now. In the present moment, in the here and now, lies true reality – free of concepts and ideas. Advaita teaches us that there is no difference between spiritual life and everyday life; everything is an expression of the same essence. By living in the here and now, you open yourself to this deep truth and experience the world for what it really is – an undivided whole that always exists in the present moment. This leads to a deep inner peace and a sense of unity that dissolves any kind of separation and suffering.

Living in the “here and now” – book recommendations

If you want to delve deeper into the topic, there are many inspiring books that can help you. Certain classics are often recommended. One of them is “Now! The power of the present” by Eckhart Tolle. When some people think of these books, they often also think of: “The Way of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh. The Buddhist monk and teacher shows in a simple and practical way how you can integrate mindfulness into your everyday life. ‘Mindfulness for Beginners’ by Jon Kabat-Zinn is also often recommended. These books tend to come from a Buddhist background and therefore focus on mindfulness.

Your fastest way to the here and now

One book that will give you a taste of what the here and now means in terms of Advaita is Oneness. If you want to dive straight into it and also have a simple guide on how to self-establish, download the book Oneness right here on our website. Sign up for the newsletter and receive the book as a gift. You can get it in English or in German. It will accompany you on your path to more joie de vivre and inner peace. Don’t wait any longer – life is happening now!

 

Do you already have experience of living in the here and now? I’m curious to hear about it in the comments..

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Hi, I am Shivani

blogger and podcaster at Madhukar Enlighten Life. I have known Madhukar since 2004 and do what I can to ensure that his effective message of happiness reaches many people.