Nowadays, I am reading The Practising Mind by Thomas M. Sterner. In his book, he shares the concept of Process, Not Product, emphasising the importance of focusing on what we are doing right now. Sterner asks, "We are everywhere, but where are we?" It's true—most people are lost in thoughts of the past or future instead of fully experiencing the present moment. His core message is to value what matters most: being present.
P for Present (Now), P for Present (Gift), and also P for Peace. Many times, people get confused about the difference between achievement and satisfaction with peace. I believe we can consider satisfaction a pathway to peace. When we focus on the present, we eventually find a sense of fulfilment.
Earlier, I was also making the same mistake, sometimes even now, thinking about my past. Sometimes what I did 2 days back, or 10 years back, what I did or said just now, etc., and sometimes what will happen if I continue the same path, should I do this, about my family, some random stuff. But then I have to forcefully bring my attention to the present moment, either by saying, "chodo yaar, abhi ka dekh le," or "main q faltu mein purani baat soch rahi." But it is true.
Now I am a little more aware of the present and of the idea of being in the present moment, which is mindfulness. I am taking meditation and journaling much more seriously. Focusing on what type of thoughts and emotions I am consciously consuming. Because now I know that the more I take conscious effort, the more it will help me unconsciously. Because the brain works in such a manner that whatever diet I give to my brain in terms of visuals, audio, pictures, thoughts, emotions, and actions, it will give results in that manner. If the diet is healthy, the results will be healthy; if I am putting garbage into my brain, it will give me garbage results. It is the built-in personal AI that everyone has (this line is from my husband. 😀). It is true.
First, we set our goal, which is generally inspired by someone. And we set our bar higher, and while working toward that goal, we keep aligning our current situation with our desired one. If, by any chance, we only focus on our goal, not the present hard work or preparation to achieve it, or even on small wins, we start losing our focus and feeling low and demotivated, and after some time, we quit.
So now I am focusing on the present and finding peace within myself. Of course, I have a big goal, but my main goal, which is the goal of the day, is to be in the present moment. I tried to do the things that help me get closer to my inner self, and eventually they helped me find inner peace. Maybe some of you have a question like Why am I doing this? The answer is that I can carry it every time. Being present in the moment hits different. Try it and let me know.
Maybe after my father’s death, I understood the reality. All money and luxury will stay here only. Every Hindu’s cremation procedure will be the same. At the end, people put the person's body in the woods and burn it. My sister and I did the same with my father, and there I saw several woods had been placed in the cremation ground, awaiting someone’s bier. As we generally say, daane daane pe likha hai khane wale ka naam. I feel the same in that moment that lakdi lakdi pe likha hai jalne wale ka naam. Sorry for my not-so-good rhyme, but it is reality.
It’s not a crime to think about your past or future, but the crime is only thinking about not doing something in the present to get that wonderful future. Also, try to find out the ultimate goal, the purpose of this life. When you go and meet your idol in heaven, and if He/ She asks what you did with this body and time, how you used it, what will you answer? Think about it, figure out your answer, and write it somewhere in bold letters. It will help you connect with yourself.
One song recommendation that I am listening to daily nowadays: Sukoon (from “Bhoomi 2025”)
If you need assistance, connect with me. In the meantime, stay present, find peace in every situation, and take care.
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