The Power of Now

[Kainan]

"The present moment is all you ever have." -Eckhart Tolle

From this book I'm reading right now, and as it relates to anxiety; we become trapped in this "psychological time," in other words: identifying with the past and compulsively projecting into the future.

It makes sense to me because whenever I feel anxiety coming on or even worse, derealization setting in, I never have my awareness in the present. It's usually stuck somewhere in the past trying tirelessly to cling on, or anticipating what the future might bring. If the imagined future is better, I feel hopeful; if it is worse, it creates anxiety. The point is, my mind was never in the now.

These days, I'm trying to catch myself every time my thoughts shift, and my focus is pushed away from the present. I'm getting quicker at it too. Before, I would just entertain any thought that popped into my head and follow it to its end. I felt glad that I was able to trace a thought to its finish, but felt horrible because of where it took me. I did this to myself.

Meditation helps tremendously. I make time each day to sit and close my eyes and focus on my breath. It helps me a lot with awareness, mindfulness, and focused attention

[NWGal]

Excellent way of reducing depression and anxiety! Ruminating thoughts cause guilt and shame (the root of symptoms of depression and anxiety for many sufferers). Learning to control thoughts takes practice but the reward is so worth it. Good karma my friend!

[Hidden]

Oh if I could only learn. I live in the past when my life was good. Trauma changed all of that. I wish I had a time machine to go back to when things were ‘normal’, medication free and happy.😥

[Kainan in reply to Hidden]

That would be a nice idea, right? I constantly would of wished to go back in time and do things differently. But I would say that I'm a lot stronger now and a better person for it than who I used to be because of what I've been through, and I'm sure you are too. And besides, having to go through all that pain again, or another form of pain...is it worth it? All we can do is live our lives each day to the fullest

[Hidden in reply to Kainan]

True in many ways...but I hurt someone I love and can’t seem to move on from it. He has forgiven me but I cannot forgive myself. Every day is a struggle 😥

[Kainan in reply to Hidden]

I'm sorry you feel that way. Forgiving ourselves can sometimes be the hardest. It's not easy to do. Hopefully with time, feelings and emotions you may have can recede on their own.

[Hidden in reply to Kainan]

I hope so but right now I am struggling just to stay alive. I suffered trauma which led me to do things I never would have done. I am a shell of who I used to be. I have a wonderful family and it was a family member that I hurt. Hate ‘living’ like this. And the incident happened a year ago...hoping time and meds will ease my anxiety or I am doomed.

[Kainan in reply to Hidden]

All the best to you. I know you'll get through this

[kenster1]

my bereavement counsellor recommended reading his book on Monday but forgot his name might even have been this as it was about dealing with anxiety.hope its helping.

[Kainan in reply to kenster1]

Yeah, it's an excellent book.

[kenster1 in reply to Kainan]

glad to hear that I find it hard to concentrate reading but glad its helping you.

[Kainan in reply to kenster1]

I had a hard time concentrating on it too. It does have breaks in between paragraphs where it tells you to think about what was written. It's definitely a book that you would want to read slowly

[Mellowme73 in reply to Kainan]

What book, please?

[Kainan in reply to Mellowme73]

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

[Mellowme73 in reply to Kainan]

Thank you.

[Krn210]

This is my most favorite book ever! I’ve read it twice!! I am glad that you like it too!

[Kainan in reply to Krn210]

Yeah, I like it and learning lots from it. It puts things into perspective

[Lablove515]

Omg isn’t that book EVERYTHING! I was experiencing major anxiety/ depression and everyday I practice and I have been feeling like a new person! If you haven’t listen to the podcast he has on his new earth book with Oprah! It changed my life.

[Kainan in reply to Lablove515]

I'm so glad that it's helping you! I'll take a listen to that podcast

[Kainan in reply to Lablove515]

It's a great podcast. I'm in the middle of listening to it. Thanks for the recommendation

[Michael8072]

Hi Kainan. I’m glad you found something that’s helping you!! I have a friend who talks about Eckhart Tolle quite a bit!! I have not read the book your talking about. I have read a book called “be here now” by Ram Das. And basically the same meaning and it has helped me as well. When I’m in my head and catch myself I repeat be here now and it helps me get back in the moment!!

So I’m glad you have found something that has helped you!! Have a great day!!

[Kainan]

Hey. Thanks, Michael. Same to you. I'm glad it's helping you. Yeah, we just have to keep practicing, and before we know it, it'll become second nature. I wish you well

[Turtlegirl4]

I've been getting much more into reading lately especially books like this. What is the name of the book you are reading?

[Kainan in reply to Turtlegirl4]

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

[SoberDrunk1]

Wish the world reads his books. So much of conflict in the world. I bet everybody can find peace reading and imbibing his teachings. World will be lot peaceful place.

[Kainan]

Yeah it's already brought some changes to my life. Hopefully as more people read it and understand the message, they can dissolve the collective pain body. I'm thinking about reading another book of his, A New Earth