#8 - What's happening now is quite enough!

Frankly, keeping my thoughts in present time is about as easy as tying my  shoelaces while walking on a tightrope.  Which of course I've never done. But am pretty sure I'm not alone.  On both counts, that is!

Ancient wisdom

Keeping our thoughts in present time
Can help us banish future fear
Such sound advice has been around
For many a thousand year.
If this is the path to peace of mind
It's certainly worth believing.
If we can finally conquer our fear
That's truly a goal worth achieving.

You can think about the future with a smile on your face if there's something good in the offing. But - and here's the big thing - usually thinking about the future involves a twitch in the gut, a faster beat of the heart.  Not pleasant sensations. Especially if it's something you're pretty sure is going to be difficult or disagreeable. 

So what's behind it all?  Ah well it's that one and only enemy of the human race.  Fear!  This beastly emotion comes in a thousand guises, can strike at any time, and affect every one of us in subtle but different ways.  Nobody, alas, is exempt from it.    

I've been well acquainted with this  pest since the  very moment I left the womb, in the midst of the Battle of Britain.  Was somebody trying to kill me?  Certainly was.   That phrase 'scared to death' can to this very day, this very moment, be literally true.   For millions of  human beings right across the globe.  We all know that.

However, a bit of good news! It is  possible to make progress in overcoming this unwelcome visitor.  I'm learning to recognise its arrival, and regard it as a  bit like a 'scam' call.  We all know how to handle those! 

It's not an easy battle to win, I'll admit that.  But it's definitely worth giving it our best shot.  No pun intended!  

Remember, no one is asking any of us to tie our shoelaces on a high wire!

Join me again on Wednesday for a peek into finding stillness in turbulent times - and how to navigate life's choppy waters with calm resolve.