Help with staying in the present

[diop]

Hey family,

I dont post much but I do read these forums quite often and recollect all the knowledge on this wonderful site.

I was wondering how yall stay in the moment. Ill feel myself go throughout the day in a blurr then sporadically in small moments Ill catch myself (or be given the opportunity to be unblinded) and feel like I truly havent been living the day to its full potential. I will also feel a deeper connection with things around me, whether it be other selves or nature or when Im by myself.

I truly want to always be in the present, loving each and every second that has just passed bye.

Any insights or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading and spending your time with my thoughts.

much love

[Meerie]

That is a very good question and a skill that I would love to possess too...

They say meditation helps, but I am usually too scatter-brained for that as well.
All I can say is, sometimes when I realize I am losing myself in clouds of thoughts during the day, I try to consciously "be" in that moment again, and concentrate on my breath.

[Lavazza]

Great question, I was wondering the same thing recently! I look forward to the responses. <3

[Dinko]

try vipassana meditation it helped me... good luck

[Diana]

I inadvertently discovered a great way to be present. There are ways I have done it by focusing until time suspends (especially while writing). But during a time of trauma, it is difficult to focus. This is what happened to me:

I went through a very rough time during the real estate crash, and ended up living in one of my investment properties. The property is rural and on a mountainside. There are arroyos on either side where animals traverse. From the beginning I was getting wild animals in the yard. I would watch them, and when I did, I could think of nothing else. I also worked outside moving rocks, cleaning up the property. I have always fed birds and bunnies, but at this property I could throw out food for javelinas, mule deer and other little creatures. I would have a bowl of carrots, sitting on my back patio, with the deer around me. Some would go right for the bowl and I would be nose to nose looking into the big, brown deer eyes with the long black lashes.

There was no way I could think about my situation while feeding and watching the animals. Every time they brought me into the present.

To be in nature is one great way to be present. I work at home and at least once a day I try and go outside to "be." This is very good training and enjoyable to do.

[Ankh]

Staying grounded is something that I've been struggling with in my life too. My presentation at Homecoming last year was more or less about this topic. I got some advices after that talk. I wish I would have written them all down, as I was so nervious afterwards, that I remembered only one. It was about being creative. To write, paint or dance/sing, whatever one finds interesting, but to "channel" that which is distracting you from the present moment back into that moment, so to speak, to manifest in the physical, or space/time that which makes your mind to wander off.

Another advice I found of great help is a session one Wanderer had with Q'uo, who adviced him to literally ground himself; by getting out in the nature, and especially connect with trees. I saw this session being posted here in the forum recently, but can't seem to find it for the moment.

Speaking about it more from my own experience, I discovered that meditation and contemplation make that which is distracting to come up from the deeper mind to the surface of your conscious, unveiled mind, and then - you can *see* it. And you might also get help to anchor yourself into the now, by small suggestions/tips that come up in your mind, during or after these sessions. Small things that you didn't see before, but which suddenly become visible. Things that you could do in your everyday life in order to stay present.

But you have to have the *will* to do it, to really, really wish to be present. And for me, the first step was this sudden discovery that I actually loved my little moments of "escaping the world". I loved to be there where I was, and I got annoyed when I was disturbed, or if something brought me back from my thoughts/day dreams/whatever back into this world. In this realization, my eyes turned into the present moment in order to see what was there that was so bad that I had to escape it all the time. I found a lot of things. That was the second step. To see all these things. The third step was to analyze these things, and work with them. Since I couldn't do something in order to escape the world, I didn't want to feel bad when I have to be present. So I had to take myself back from wherever I was, back to this present situation/moment; and start working with it...

The most magical moment happened in one meditation. I managed to quiet my mind, and turn my attention fully concentrated and focused to this present moment, and suddenly *everything* just got quiet... and there was this presence – of the *One Infinite Creator*... Afterwards I was also lucky to be able to quiet the mind even during the everyday activities, and *feel/listen to this everlasting presence of the Infinite One*. This is beyond words!

The method that I used is to attain the silence in the mind during meditation, but then *focus* it, or concentrate it on surroundings – not to escape into the deeper mind, or open the door to it, but to focus it in the now as it was. And then - it happened! This perception of this only now and the presence of the intelligent infinity/energy in it (<---- which to me seemed like the only now).

Another thing that is of extreme value in staying grounded is service to others. When you see the Creator in another mind/body/spirit complex, you wish to serve that other self because of the love that you have for the intelligent infinity. And then you realize that this other self doesn't need to be served in the way you think is good for him/her, but in the way *s/he* thinks is good for him/her. This keeps you really busy. This is very grounding.

With all this said, I still struggle with staying present, especially when there is too much noise, and other distractions, or when I am tired or have not been able to meditate. And the lessons of being patient, to not get irritated with the self, and frustrated because it's not possible for the moment, are still not fully learned yet.

[diop]

Thank you all for the quick responses, I greatly appreciate it.

Diana, that story sounds absolutely amazing. I wish I could experience being one with nature and naturally skidish animals like that. To me it seems like they were almost connecting with your positive energies. Thank you for sharing.

Meerie, thanks for the tip on checking/remembering your breath. It seems like a good tool to use!

Eric, I have a hunch we will find out great information from this loving community.

Dinko, Awesome name first of all. I have never heard of vipassana meditation, I will do more research on it. Thank you so much.

Ankh, truly inspiring, I will definitely check back on your post to learn and reflect on my growth, I dont think I fully grasp everything (yet ) I will let it sink in and digest tonight while I sleep, then get right back to it tomorrow morning.

Again, thank you all for the love.

[Ankh]

Oh, I didn't mean to answer in that length and in complicated manner. As it is one of my biggest problems, I guess that I have lot of thoughts about it.

What I tried to say is that there are different methods to use in order to stay grounded, and I have tried these:

One method is to be creative, as I've mentioned. In order to take down to Earth that which distracts you from the present moment. I write. Another one is what Diana mentioned, and Q'uo also adviced. To ground itself literally by interacting with nature and second density beings, such as animals, trees etc. The third one is to contemplate/meditate on the present moment. Perhaps there is something specific in the present moment, that makes you to *want* to escape it? In that case, there is a need for work with that. The fourth one is to contemplate/meditate on where you are when you are not present. Look consciously at this, at your thoughts. See them. Accept them. Understand them, or whatever work these thoughts need. Maybe they are trying to tell you something important too? And the fifth method is to serve other selves. Because in service your *attention* is needed, and you also forget about your own problems/troubles for a while. Your focus turns from the inside to the outside, and this is a very positive grounding. As in example of connecting with 1D and 2D entities, this is a connection made in compassion/love with 3D beings.

[diop]

Thank you Ankh, I will do more of these methods and get back on track!! thanks again for everything.

[Aaron]

There is no "I" that is not in the present moment, whenever that moment may be! You are at the center point... You create the "I" in every moment.

As the will drove the awareness to become more and more present, I began using the routines of my day to measure my awareness. (i.e. the day finally came when I was "aware" or "conscious" or "present" through the entire workday!) Of course looking back at it from this angle, I see that there is no one point where a person can be labeled "present", but rather a bar I set for myself.

[Ashim]

Hi!
This happened to me yesterday. I feel the experience I had may be of interest to you. It scared the s*** out of me anyway!

I am known in my family for not always being punctual and have been late picking up my daughter from school a few times. Yesterday the story was the same.
I was 'ordered' to collect her at 10.20 from the school gates.
I totally forgot.
I was lying in the bathtub 'floating off into other worlds' when suddenly: s***!!!!!!!!!!
I jumped out the bath, ran into the kitchen soaking wet to look at the time:10.35!!!!
s***!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I threw on some trousers and a shirt and literally 'flew' into the car and took off like a rocket down the street.
I could feel that sense of urgency coupled with desperation, having 'failed' once again.
I tore out of our street onto the main road and proceeded as fast as my car could go.
On exiting our village a small, slow red car was 'in my way'. Overtaking however would mean going through a 'blind curve'. I dropped down to 3rd gear and was ready to let rip.

Suddenly out of the blue I felt a calming presence and a whisper of a voice.
"Don't panic" said the voice. So I settled myself and prepared to be late, accepting that getting there safely was much better than taking such a risk when there was no logical reason to do so.
In that very moment an ambulance came roaring towards me on the opposite side of the road. It was going at at least 100 mph. The crash that I avoided would have crushed both vehicles.
My heart almost jumped out my body. Oh my god. I was shocked.

This event triggered a few similar memories of past lives. I remembered the lesson of patience.
I had overeacted. I have been doing this time and time again.
I thank my Creator for this wonderful lesson.

L&L

[Ankh]

I've re-read the following quote by Ra recently, and suddenly (or as it usually is with Ra) I saw something that I didn't see before:

Enlightenment is, of the moment, an opening to intelligent infinity. It can only be accomplished by the self, for the self. Another self cannot teach/learn enlightenment, but only teach/learn information, inspiration, or a sharing of love, of mystery, of the unknown that makes the other-self reach out and begin the seeking process that ends in a moment, but who can know when an entity will open the gate to the present?

Here Ra says that enlightenment is an opening to intelligent infinity. The seeking process ends in a moment, when an entity opens the gate to the present.

I understand that as Ra equating the present moment with intelligent infinity.

Thoughts??

[Aaron]

I've re-read the following quote by Ra recently, and suddenly (or as it usually is with Ra) I saw something that I didn't see before:

Enlightenment is, of the moment, an opening to intelligent infinity. It can only be accomplished by the self, for the self. Another self cannot teach/learn enlightenment, but only teach/learn information, inspiration, or a sharing of love, of mystery, of the unknown that makes the other-self reach out and begin the seeking process that ends in a moment, but who can know when an entity will open the gate to the present?

Here Ra says that enlightenment is an opening to intelligent infinity. The seeking process ends in a moment, when an entity opens the gate to the present.

I understand that as Ra equating the present moment with intelligent infinity.

Thoughts??

Maybe not "equating" strictly, but definitely relating the present moment to the gateway.

[Ankh]

Maybe not "equating" strictly, but definitely relating the present moment to the gateway.

Awesome!! I *thought* that I experienced the presence of the One Infinite Creator in the meditations where I was able to focus on that now, and then later, during everyday activities when I was able to quiet my mind, and be in the now... So this was *THE* gateway, huh.... Well, guess what I will be doing from now on...

[Aaron]

Maybe not "equating" strictly, but definitely relating the present moment to the gateway.

Awesome!! I *thought* that I experienced the presence of the One Infinite Creator in the meditations where I was able to focus on that now, and then later, during everyday activities when I was able to quiet my mind, and be in the now... So this was *THE* gateway, huh.... Well, guess what I will be doing from now on...

What will you be doing...? Going through it? :p

[Ankh]

What will you be doing...? Going through it? :p

Nah, I'll close the door, and walk away

[native]

I understand that as Ra equating the present moment with intelligent infinity.

That's how I understand it. When one accepts the external as being ok, enlightenment and possibly a transcendental experience occurs. The gate to the present involves the choice, which is the axis upon which the creation turns as it's said. So the present can only be experienced through the removal of certain boundaries. One who walks on the negative path sees this also, but simply manipulates this realization for their own benefit.

A difficult aspect of the material is that Ra speaks in third density terms and the philosophy behind how the octave functions in general. So we tend to place a lot of weight behind certain words and sentences.

For instance, intelligent infinity is referred to as that which.."transforms all other-selves as well as the self." When I first read that, I naturally visualized some kind of mystical transformative event. But doesn't enlightenment certainly bring about a transformation in perception towards all others? You no longer judge or separate, and so others are transformed as you experience your connection to them for the first time.

So we tend to expect intelligent infinity to have certain qualities, when at its most basic level, it is simply direct experience of the moment. No doubt there are deeper experiences to be had though.

[zenmaster]

You no longer judge or separate

Let's not fool ourselves, this is 3rd density we're talking about.

[native]

You know what I mean!

[Ankh]

I understand that as Ra equating the present moment with intelligent infinity.

That's how I understand it. When one accepts the external as being ok, enlightenment and possibly a transcendental experience occurs. The gate to the present involves the choice, which is the axis upon which the creation turns as it's said. So the present can only be experienced through the removal of certain boundaries. One who walks on the negative path sees this also, but simply manipulates this realization for their own benefit.

A difficult aspect of the material is that Ra speaks in third density terms and the philosophy behind how the octave functions in general. So we tend to place a lot of weight behind certain words and sentences.

For instance, intelligent infinity is referred to as that which.."transforms all other-selves as well as the self." When I first read that, I naturally visualized some kind of mystical transformative event. But doesn't enlightenment certainly bring about a transformation in perception towards all others? You no longer judge or separate, and so others are transformed as you experience your connection to them for the first time.

So we tend to expect intelligent infinity to have certain qualities, when at its most basic level, it is simply direct experience of the moment. No doubt there are deeper experiences to be had though.

I agree. Not so long ago, after experiencing what I understand now to be *the* gateway, I had a realization of something similar to what you've said above. It was about transforming the self to a transparency through which the everlasting presence of the One Infinite Creator could flow without anything blocking these experiences. Something like that. It is difficult to put it in words. Well, as usual, it didn't last more than a day, and then you have to work for it!

Shortly after that, I got seriously busy, where I encountered a lot of opportunities for polarization, which I, hopefully used, well. At times I experienced something that I would term as fourth dimensional vibration. My first day off, after these concentrated experiences, I saw people that I haven't seen before. It's a whole other story, but I certainly can relate to what you said about "mystical transformative event". I say it is both. As you transform your own vibration, you see those of previous one, where you just have been, but you also start seeing those who are on the current vibration, which you had not an ability to see before.

As to that gateway goes - it is there. Can feel, see it, sense it... But have some way to work yet to open that dang thing. (Said with love and respect)

[Steppingfeet]

You no longer judge or separate

Let's not fool ourselves, this is 3rd density we're talking about.

The context of Icaro's quoted words:

Icaro: "But doesn't enlightenment certainly bring about a transformation in perception towards all others? You no longer judge or separate, and so others are transformed as you experience your connection to them for the first time."

Icaro wasn't referring to the typical experience of the third-density entity, but a certain subset of experience, you might say -- that of enlightenment.

And per my understanding of that particular subset of experience, the enlightened entity categorically eschews judgment and separation.

Not so much as a discipline or daily practice towards which one strives, but rather because, in that state of awareness, there is no possibility to be blind to the unity of all things, and thus separate; or to condemn/abhor in the pejorative sense, and thus to judge.

In other words, Icaro's statement regarding enlightenment is valid in and of itself. Not only valid, but according to my understanding of what the experience of enlightenment is in the third density, accurate.

[native]

Thanks for the elaboration Gary, which was the point I was making but I figured it was a given.

---

I agree. Not so long ago, after experiencing what I understand now to be *the* gateway, I had a realization of something similar to what you've said above. It was about transforming the self to a transparency through which the everlasting presence of the One Infinite Creator could flow without anything blocking these experiences.

I have had varying experiences, including feeling the sacred rhythms (which is what Carla has called them, and what shamans refer to) that last for days.

Shortly after that, I got seriously busy, where I encountered a lot of opportunities for polarization, which I, hopefully used, well.

The fact that you consciously recognize unity is positive polarization, so I wouldn't worry. "The purpose of clearing each energy center is to allow that meeting place to occur at the indigo ray vibration, thus making contact with intelligent infinity and dissolving all illusions. Service-to-others is automatic at the released energy generated by this state of consciousness." Again, Ra's words sound loaded there. We have not lifted the veil entirely, but the illusory nature of reality has been dissolved in my opinion.

At times I experienced something that I would term as fourth dimensional vibration. My first day off, after these concentrated experiences, I saw people that I haven't seen before. It's a whole other story, but I certainly can relate to what you said about "mystical transformative event". I say it is both. As you transform your own vibration, you see those of previous one, where you just have been, but you also start seeing those who are on the current vibration, which you had not an ability to see before.

I can relate to that. "Secondly, there is permission granted, not to break quarantine by dwelling among you, but to appear in thought form capacity for those who have eyes to see." <--- I'd just like to note that, and maybe talk more about it later. "Eyes to see" doesn't necessarily mean a visual contact. They seem to speak to, and through your thoughts.

[Ankh]

I can relate to that. "Secondly, there is permission granted, not to break quarantine by dwelling among you, but to appear in thought form capacity for those who have eyes to see." <--- I'd just like to note that, and maybe talk more about it later. "Eyes to see" doesn't necessarily mean a visual contact. They seem to speak to, and through your thoughts.

I'd love to hear about it! Maybe you can create a new thread about it? I was thinking about another quote in regards to what I saw, but want to hear you elaboration first.

[native]

Well I'd rather not elaborate as I'm still trying to make sense of the experiences, and I don't want to confuse or lead others in a wrong direction.

[zenmaster]

In other words, Icaro's statement regarding enlightenment is valid in and of itself. Not only valid, but according to my understanding of what the experience of enlightenment is in the third density, accurate.

"Enlightenment" is a developmental thing. There is no such thing as a 3D entity so enlightened as to avoid judgement, even if awareness suggests that to not judge means to be "enlightened" or even if the periphery of awareness is conducive to "oneness". That's the point I was trying to make. Don't fool yourself.

[Steppingfeet]

In other words, Icaro's statement regarding enlightenment is valid in and of itself. Not only valid, but according to my understanding of what the experience of enlightenment is in the third density, accurate.

"Enlightenment" is a developmental thing. There is no such thing as a 3D entity so enlightened as to avoid judgement, even if awareness suggests that to not judge means to be "enlightened" or even if the periphery of awareness is conducive to "oneness". That's the point I was trying to make. Don't fool yourself.

I don't think absence of judgment (of the negative variety) necessarily implies the presence of enlightenment. One could potentially fast away judgment in disciplined prayer over the years and still not be consciously enlightened.

But on the point of whether the enlightened entity continues to grow (i.e., "develop") and in the process release judgment and the eye of separation, I disagree with you. To the entity that has established permanent contact with intelligent infinity, and has dismantled the veil of forgetting/separation (one possible "definition", as it were, of enlightenment), to that entity there is no judgment, and no separation.

There may still be emotions and experiences of the outer personality self remaining within the enlightened entity, (and perhaps there is where the development you speak of comes into play), but the awareness and identity of the enlightened one has transcended this play of outer phenomena, and is affected by remnants of the personality shell it to the extent that the sun is affected by weather patterns on Earth.

This position I don't find a result of wishful thinking. Rather it derives from information absorbed about and from enlightened entities, and the course of my own study. So I will have to agree to disagree on this point.

[zenmaster]

By judgement, I was referring to the faculty of judgment (evaluation). The 'negative judgment' that you are talking abut seems like an emotional-level distortion which wouldn't seem to have a place in 'enlightenment' - unless you are referring to some kind of peak experience. Also, who said one releases judgment? I was pointing out the opposite.

[Steppingfeet]

By judgement, I was referring to the faculty of judgment (evaluation).

Ah, this word lends itself to just this sort of miscommunication as it has a strong positive and negative connotation. That's why I was attempting to differentiate by identifying judgment of the "negative" kind, that being that energy which condemns, abhors, belittles, strips one of worth, etc.

Icaro intended the word "judgment" in the same sense. Not as synonymous with discernment, or fair assessment, or wisdom, or clear sight.

The 'negative judgment' that you are talking abut seems like an emotional-level distortion which wouldn't seem to have a place in 'enlightenment'

Exactly. That's what Icaro was getting at. And what I seconded.

Also, who said one releases judgment? I was pointing out the opposite.

You wrote, "'Enlightenment' is a developmental thing. There is no such thing as a 3D entity so enlightened as to avoid judgement."

I took your statement to mean that you see enlightenment not as a final state with no possibility of growth/learning, but rather as a process of ongoing evolution. And in that process, the entity (my word) "releases" judgment as the path moves forward, rather than having no judgment (of the negative variety) whatsoever.

[zenmaster]

My point is that, of course, you do continue to judge and to separate. What you are calling 'negative judgment' is just separation based on criteria that hasn't yet been made conscious. That form of judgment too, continues with enlightenment or 'being present', it's just that relatively more has been made conscious. There is a point where 'negative judgment' simply becomes more socially acceptable because it offers just enough acceptance where it is not seen as negative. Another, more conscious, individual might see the same exact judgement as lacking acceptance (and therefore 'negative').

In 3D, we judge and separate because our minds can only grasp the phenomenal, not the noumenal. Everything we imagine must be an ultimately inadequate derivative form of 'the real' - a signpost. And therefore to approximate the real to a satisfactory degree, we must continue to discern, based on some limited experience.

Andrew Cohen (Evolutionary Enlightenment) figured out that you can't do anything by virtue of merely being in the 'present', because that just means everything is balanced and no evolution is taking place. So while it is great to recognize that that state is always available, it's also important to realize that it's a void or where we've already been and not a goal.