“Present Moment. Wonderful Moment.”

“Life is unfolding in ways we can’t always understand when we’re right in the thick of it…. Some things are going to happen that cause suffering. Some things are going to bring us joy. Some things will happen in our lives that we want. Some things will happen that we don’t want.  

There’s tremendous freedom that can come from learning to turn towards all of it with an open heart, rather than pushing away … and fighting what we don’t think should happen…. There’s a certain amount of pain that we’re all going to have in our lives; that’s unavoidable. But whether or not we suffer on top of that pain is up to us. This teaching “present moment, wonderful moment” helps us to say that if we can dwell in the present moment and just be with this now, not project into the future … then we can bear it…. If we can stay with the present moment, … as hard as that may be, and take care of this present moment, then the next moment is a continuation of this moment, so we can also take care of that moment.” -Buddhist teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo

Want to be “in the moment”? (We actors especially strive for this.)

First, you have to fully accept the moment. For whatever it is. Not judging it or naming it as “good” or “bad.” It just is.

Then, live in it. Fully. Deeply. Don’t long for a past moment or look for a future moment. Just live in the now.

And if it helps, as you’re living in the now, say to yourself “Present Moment. Wonderful Moment.”

Because it truly is a present moment.

And the fact that you’re even alive and experiencing it, truly makes it a wonderful moment.