Friday 30 January 2009

Now


No matter where you go, there you are. No matter what time you travel to, there you are; in the present. Zooming back and forth in time gives one an appreciation of the present. After all, that is all we have. We can anticipate the future and reminisce about the past but the only living we can do is in the now. Us dogs are good at that.

This is from Dogs Don't Bark When a Growl Will Do by Matt Weinstein and Luke Barber. 

"I can’t imagine my dogs thinking about their next meal while they’re eating this one. They are too all-consumed in loving the meal they are having right now. The same is true of everything that they do. But this ability to be “in the now” is certainly not limited to our dogs. We can develop this same kind of awareness of being present for our life as it moves from moment to moment."

This was posted at Confessions Of A Wandering Soul, you can read a lot more of it there.

If Tim and Mandy find themselves discussing a future meal while eating a meal, they will say, "We are Terry Mulligan." Terry is Tim's father, a fantastic bloke who is loved by all. I love Tim's parents, (dogs are a good judge of character. This is discussed in the blog above.) He has a reputation for planning several meals ahead and discussing the next meal while eating that one. I think most humans can be guilty of this. Of course, there is much that can be achieved by planning ahead. It is good to see the bigger picture. Humans are good at this, but you can not neglect the present. That is where we live. Remember to be in the present. 

This photo is called, "Alert But Not Alarmed."

Life is great when you are in the moment.

7 comments:

Dexter said...

I'm not sure what you mean by "next meal." There is only now. You look like you are expecting something to happen.

Slobbers,
Mango

Henry the Dog said...

I agree with you wholeheartedly, Ruby, and mum does too. I live entirely in the present, mum tries but sometimes the humans have to make some arrangements for the future. So she stays 'alert' in that respect. Very thoughtful post. xxx

Anonymous said...

I agree! I'm hopeless at planning ahead - especially when it comes to meals... Goodness! There I am at 5 pm with two kids who need food and I'm still scratching my head and saying, Oh no! What ARE we going to eat for tea?

Black Jack's Carol said...

It's funny, Ruby, that animals don't need reminders to stay in the now, just us human folks. Scott, my last dog, really started me thinking about that. Thanks for those references. I'm going to check them out. I'm wondering if Tim or Mandy have read any of Eckhart Tolle's books.

Juliet Colors said...

This is such a wise post. Remembering to live in the moment (just breathe) helps me a lot when I'm struggling emotionally. Living in the moment is one of my resolutions this year. I appreciate your reminder of its importance.

Ruby and Penny said...

I agree with you Ruby! When living in the present, I don't have to worry about where my next meal is coming from. It is nice not to worry.
Love Ruby

Ruby Isabella said...

Mango- Yes, there is only this meal.

Henry- Arrangements are necessary. That is the challenge, isn't it? To make plans yet remain in the present.

LadyFi- I guess when you have human pups, you need to plan meals more.

Carol- Yes they have. Tim also likes Krishnamurti. They are good teachers for staying in the present.

Juliet- Yes breathe. Tim found this much easier after doing yoga. I also do yoga everyday (upward and downward facing dog)

Ruby- It's good not to worry about where you're next meal, walk, million dollars, holiday, job etc is coming from. Just trust that it will come.

Thank you everybody for your comments.