The last time that i wrote a more lengthy post, one wrote about how thoughts are primarily reactions. And living mostly as reactions makes a person robotic and mechanical. Existing as endless reactions keeps one stuck in limited time, for time consists of a series of reactions (all immersed in sequential causality).
Certain people will — philosophically or supposedly spiritually — say that you should exist in the “now.” However, if that “now” is just a continuation from a remembered “then”, then it really isn’t hitting the mark; it is then probably just another limitation. The real “now” is not merely a point in recognized time, but a timeless dimension in which the conditioning of the past does not interfere. It’s not what can be obtained by practice, desire, or clever reactions. It is not what can be obtained by the thought of a “perceiver” that thinks it is separate from the perceived.
My Blog primarily consists of close-up nature photos (that I've taken locally) combined with original holistic-truth oriented prose and/or poetry involving mindfulness/awareness. I love nature and I love understanding the whole (not merely the parts and the details). I'm a retired teacher of the multiply handicapped.
I have a number of interesting hobbies, such as fossil collecting, sport-kite flying, 3D and 2D close-up photography, holography, and pets. Most of all, I am into holistic self-awareness, spontaneous insight, unconventional observation/direct perception, mindfulness, meditation, world peace, non-fragmentation, population control, vegetarianism, and green energy.
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Exactly!
If only it was possible Tom.
The past, present and future are all interlinked so to say all that stuff about being in the ‘now’ is futile in my opinion. But it is interesting to see that many who do say it are the over thinkers who are anywhere but in the now!
I had to hop onto your blogsite and check for a response as it didn’t show up in Notifications again Tom – I wanted you to know and I wonder if other commenters have this issue?
A bracing reminder that freedom isn’t found by polishing reactions or renaming memory as “now.” Your distinction between sequential time and a truly timeless presence cuts cleanly through spiritual habit and philosophical comfort alike. It invites attention without technique—and that feels both unsettling and honest.
Yes, Michael! Renaming memory as “now” is an old, illusory trick. And real freedom (i.e., timeless freedom) is not the result of some clever, sequential process.
Exactly!
If only it was possible Tom.
The past, present and future are all interlinked so to say all that stuff about being in the ‘now’ is futile in my opinion. But it is interesting to see that many who do say it are the over thinkers who are anywhere but in the now!
Yes, Margiran, overthinking is the past endlessly and repetitively reacting as the past.
I’ ll comment later.
Ok 👍
Interesting photo of lichen Tom. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about dwelling in the past and overthinking.
Yes, Linda, the lichen is unique. Yes, dwelling in the past and overthinking… what most of us are caught in.
I had to hop onto your blogsite and check for a response as it didn’t show up in Notifications again Tom – I wanted you to know and I wonder if other commenters have this issue?
No, Linda, i haven’t read of any problems from other commenters so far.
A bracing reminder that freedom isn’t found by polishing reactions or renaming memory as “now.” Your distinction between sequential time and a truly timeless presence cuts cleanly through spiritual habit and philosophical comfort alike. It invites attention without technique—and that feels both unsettling and honest.
Yes, Michael! Renaming memory as “now” is an old, illusory trick. And real freedom (i.e., timeless freedom) is not the result of some clever, sequential process.