Remaining Present ~ Anne McCormack

“Time is basically an illusion created by the mind to aid in our sense of temporal presence in the vast ocean of space. Without the neurons to create a virtual perception of the past and the future based on all our experiences, there is no actual existence of the past and the future. All that there is, is the present.”
Abhijit Naskar, Love, God & Neurons: Memoir of a scientist who found himself by getting lost

I’ve struggled with the notion that time is a manmade construct, designed to offer the illusion of control over our earthbound existence. I’ve also struggled with remaining present.

I rush around, trying to complete my “to do” lists within a perceived timeframe. During these times I’m not paying attention to anything in the moment. My focus is on a perpetual forward motion, which picks up pace (and size) like a wayward snowball. And we all know what happens to that snowball when it reaches an insurmountable obstruction. Splat!

Connection with Spirit

I’m embraced by the moment when I connect with the spirit world. Everything stops. My focus is on breathe and on keeping my vibrational level high so I can sustain connection. During those moments I’m able to feel the closeness of my guidance. I see the pictures they show me and I hear the words they speak. I experience many “a ha” moments. In these times my choices are more considered and conscious. More importantly, they are effortless.

Irrespective of this though, I will for circumstances and events to manifest expediently. Preferably without pain. However, I’ve realised that in the past I haven’t allowed circumstances to fully evolve.

Shifting perspective and changing track when my egoic mind builds momentum is often easier said than done. I have an obstinate mind! I know on a deep level the importance of being in the moment and how crucial it is to pay attention. However, on a regular basis I’m torn between the urge to will my future into fruition, and being fully present and allowing it to unfold.

I inevitably end up manifesting an end result which closely resembles my dream. However, what shows up is not always entirely for my highest good. There are often painful consequences. And a myriad of lessons. In my haste I’ve not been aware of dynamics at play. I’ve accepted an outcome that is half-baked and “near enough, but not good enough“.

The Impulse to ‘Do’. The Need to Be.

Hanging hopes and desires on timeframes is like waiting for a train that never arrives at the platform. A despondent feeling kicks in which often derails me from making the most of the moment.

Trust dissipates. Frustration grows. Doubt begins speaking louder than trust. Obsessive thoughts kick in. Perhaps we imagined something was meant to happen within a specific timeframe. Maybe we project irritation on to those around us, in the belief they are being vindictive and somehow responsible.

As we dip toes into negative thought patterns, our energy begins to resonate with an experience far different to that of our desired outcome. We are now moving further away from the magical experience we yearn.

The Light

It takes time to break old habits. Changing them doesn’t happen overnight. However, it’s becoming easier to catch myself in those manic “to do” list moments. From this space I can focus on bringing the calm back into play. There are times when it takes longer to come back to the moment. However, it takes less time to recognise and get back on track these days.

When we are mindful and working through our challenges in the moment, we are continuously evolving and breaking new personal ground. This is the progress we need to continuously remind ourselves of. We are always moving forward.