Dear reader, you don’t live in the present. This is not about the matrix, a time machine, or senseless blabbering. It is about our sheer inability to fully experience our every moments, as they occur. So what? Believe it or not, this is one of the most underrated causes of anxiety, lack of productivity, and overall unhappiness.
Still not with me? Let’s get more specific. Next time you’re walking in a park, having dinner, or trying to get some work done, pay attention to what’s going on in your head. Listen to that inner voice talking to you. It’s ok, you’re not crazy. In fact, as I’m typing these words, my voice keeps distracting me away from the task, bringing up issues like “I can’t believe I had so many carbs for dinner”, “I should spend more time playing with my son”, and “I need to finish that report before lunch tomorrow”.
Matters from past and future are constantly nagging us and inhibiting our ability to live the present in its wholeness. This is especially worrisome because we tend to dwell on negative thoughts more than on pleasant ones. Therefore, this constant distraction keeps us from experiencing so-called awareness, and being truly relaxed and focused on the moment. Consciously or not, for most people this becomes a source of stress.
Sure, we have hobbies and see in them a way to “clear our heads”. But going to the movies, playing sports, reading a novel, or jogging, as good as they might make you feel, are essentially fillers. They quiet the voice in your head for a while, as long as you are engaged in these activities. Once you’re back to business as usual, the struggle eventually returns.
Meditation is probably the best known tool to help you tame your thoughts. And, although it is practiced in certain religious contexts, there’s nothing essentially religious or metaphysical about it. Meditation can be a secular healthy habit one applies in daily life, just like exercising and eating well.
I first tried meditation several years ago, out of curiosity, and must confess I don’t practice nearly as often as I should. Nevertheless, even my erratic practice has greatly improved my capacity to calm that voice down. By the way, I’m not endorsing any one type of meditation in particular. In fact, if you research it, you’ll see that they are ultimately similar in terms of the practice itself and, most importantly, the results. What matters is that, setting aside as little as twenty minutes a day, three times a week, to take a break from your routine and listen to your breath, brings benefits beyond what lay people can imagine.
Learning to regulate the flow of (mostly involuntary) thoughts in your head gives you more freedom and control. You are able to better enjoy a day out at the beach, without being constantly reminded (by yourself!) that when Monday comes you’ll have that stressful presentation at work, which would otherwise have spoiled your experience. Having a clearer head helps you put things in perspective, enjoy the moment, worry less. Furthermore, scientific studies show that people who practice meditation sharpen their ability to focus, become more productive at work, and actually experience physical health improvements, such as lower chances of a heart attack and a boost in the immune system.
In my experience, the practice has helped me go through graduate school more smoothly, become a calmer person, and better deal with moments of stress. It also taught me to manage time more efficiently. For example, after several years of procrastination, I was finally able to realize a personal dream and publish a book, The Drifting Self, all while running a startup.
If you decide to give it a try, you’ll see that taking twenty minutes or so off your day to meditate is more difficult than it seems. It requires practice and persistence. But go for it! I’m sure you’ll make yourself happier – and those around you too.
j�p