Process is Perfection

It can be so tempting to dwell on what will be, to hustle towards an imagined future state of being, way of life. Hustle culture and capitalist ideals reinforce the idea that it is not about the “here and now,” but rather about some future ideal, a vision of future prosperity, retirement, home ownership, parenthood. Although it is valuable to have goals and a sense of direction in our choices and actions, it is also important to recognize and appreciate where we are NOW.

Being oriented towards the future helps us to build a coherent vision for what we want from our lives, however it can become a distraction to what is right in front of us. Every step in the journey of being is of equal value. We can only get to where we want to be if we are present and accepting of where we are currently. As Carl Rogers says, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Acceptance allows us the spaciousness of consciousness to be fully present in the unique moment at hand. When we plant ourselves in the moment of NOW, we immerse in the awesomeness of Being, the miracle of existence. This enables a wonder for the simple joy of living; an appreciation for each step in the spiral of life: from the small delights to the trials and tribulations that a human life entails. When we learn to admire our current state, for the mere fact we exist in it, we can start to thrive and flourish in every state of being. Spiritual fulfillment exists in being present with ourselves, no matter what the world flings at us.

Practice: Pause. Allow yourself a moment of stillness. Even if only for 30 seconds or 2 minutes. Be present in your existence.

Challenge: What are your goals for the future? What are your disappointments or successes from the past? Allow yourself to surrender and release them for a moment. Give them up and allow yourself to be free of future and past ambitions and attachements— just exist.