Above Time

These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are. There is no time to them. There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence. Its nature is satisfied, and it satisfies nature, in all moments alike. But man postpones or remembers; he does not live in the present, but with reverted eye laments the past, or, heedless of the riches that surround him, stands on tiptoe to foresee the future. He cannot be happy and strong until he too lives with nature in the present, above time.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Be present. Live in the Now. YOLO. Carpe Diem.

Over the years I heard this message in its many incarnations and reacted the same way.

"What is this new-age bullshit?"

It wasn't until recently that I grasped the message behind the words.

It's a fairly simple concept. So simple, in fact, it almost seems too obvious.

Past and future are illusions. Only the present exists.

Think about an event that occurred in your past. That event took place in the present moment.

Think along to some future event. It'll take place in the present moment.

Memories are all that remain of the past, speculation all that exists of the future.

When it happened; or when it eventually happens; it'll be Now.

Think of time as a river. The current driving toward the sea is Now.

Some people are swept along helplessly by the present moment, clutching a piece of driftwood, kicking and thrashing feebly against the steady pull; others learn to swim, build their own canoes, and start paddling.

Whether you flounder or float, resist or go with it, you're being carried forward. There's no stopping the present moment no matter how unpleasant it might seem.

Stop looking at the rapids behind you: worry about the ones directly in front of you.

Stop trying to see miles ahead: there are forks in the river and decisions to be made right now.

When you focus on the present moment you become a white-water rafter. You navigate deftly around whirlpools and sharp rocks. What's more, you actually enjoy the ride!

No distractions.

Stop anticipating. Stop ruminating.

Be present. Then you'll stand above time.