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LIVE IN THE PRESENT
Operating in the future is as destructive as focusing on the
past but in different ways. When you allow yourself to
anticipate what the future holds for you, you are likely to
either expect problems that may not materialize or to set
yourself up with expectations that may not be met. Either
way, this is another waste of precious time and energy. A
third consequence of thinking too much into the future is
the likelihood that you will overwhelm yourself. If you
begin, for example, to think of all the things you have to
do, the pending workload will seem impossible to cope with.
You will be tired before you begin. You may find yourself
stuck and shoving chocolate, pasta or cookies into your
mouth. Remind yourself to come back from the future into
present time.
None of us can operate in present time at every moment. We
probably spend 90% of our time in the past or the future.
Begin to notice this in your own thought patterns. If you
would like to learn more, I highly recommend you read the
works of ThichNhatHanh, a Buddhist monk who writes
beautifully about being mindful and living in the present.
The teachings of this gentle man guide us in the art of
being in each moment and appreciating fully our experience
here on earth. He advises us to focus on the present moment
as often as possible, to breathe deeply and to smile.
If we don’t focus on the present and we allow our energy and
attention to jump back and forth between past and future, we
lose the present. In doing so, we miss opportunities to feel
and experience our lives. This behavior keeps us eating, and
eating even more, in an effort to feel satisfied and alive.
Eating, of course, doesn’t help. If we are out of touch with
our feelings and experiences in the present, we will
continue the pattern of overeating. We will notice that time
is passing by while we are sitting on the side lines
observing life instead of living it. When you notice that
you are in past or future time, remind yourself to be in the
present. The past is gone and the future is not yet here to
command your attention. You need all of your energy to be
here now.
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The
perfect duo! Both books at a great low price! ONLY
$26 plus S/H
Dr
Denise recently presented "Making Friends with your
Appetite" at the "Conquering Your Inner Critic" Workshop
presented by Advanced Health and Wellbeing, Manchester, NH.
