Now, the moment, is a concept that many people strive to be in, but it is always leaving. How long can now be if it is never longer than an instant?
Each moment is gone the instant it appears. Now is always in a state of flow, with each instant becoming the next. Each moment appearing and instantaneously disappearing, simultaneously.
This constant flow of each moment is easier to think of with the senses of experience. Think of sound. Each time a sound is heard, it disappears, only to be replaced by another sound. How long does the sound last?
Like sound, each moment is constantly on the move, flowing through life and our experience of it. Applying time to an ever-changing concept such as now can be difficult to comprehend.
Time, like sound, is only ever experienced now, in each instant. The duration of the moment is also hard to discern, moving onto the next moment before we can fully comprehend this one. Each moment flows into the next, stretching time across the duration of our lives.
Now, each moment, is always here, but always leaving. A constant flow of experience, with the end of the previous moment forming the beginning of the next.
Perhaps the duration of now is not important. Instead, consider how amazing it is that all of life’s complexities and spontaneity happens in the span of a moment. Each moment builds on the previous one, forming a life that is full of infinite variation and experience.
Taking time to experience each moment as it comes can allow us to tap into the depth of life. The more we practice being and experiencing each moment, the easier it becomes to remain in the now.
Mindfulness is a way of being that helps knock us into the moment to appreciate where we are at now and what we are experiencing. Regularly being in this state can make now feel much longer, stretching our experience of time.
What do you find helps you be mindful?
If you found this helpful or interesting, I would love to hear your thoughts! The more we learn how this practice helps each of us, the more we can collectively improve. Please feel free to leave questions or comments below.
Continue reading about the nature of now with: Inseparable From the Moment
Find the full list of mindful thoughts here.
