It is easy to get lost in life and wander aimlessly, fearfully clinging to the past or carelessly drifting in the future. But this is not the art of living. Living with mindfulness is about being fully engaged with the moment, no matter what is going on.
Letting Go
One of the first steps in learning the art of living is to let go of what was and accept what is. Albert Einstein famously said, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” In other words, if you want to create a better life, it is not enough to simply be stuck in the same frame of thought as when you were living in the past.
Letting go of the past is an essential part of living mindfully. You have no control over what has happened in the past, but you do have the power to choose how you respond to the present moment. This is where the real art of living comes in. It takes courage and commitment to take a step back and look at the whole picture in order to make a conscious, mindful decision in the present moment.
See the Opportunities, Not Just the Obstacles
Sometimes it can be hard to let go of the past so that you can open up to the present. In those moments, it can help to focus on the opportunities and blessings that each day brings. As the African proverb states, “Every morning the sun rises and we are given one more day to be grateful for.”
No matter how hard life may be, there is always something to be grateful for and something to be looking forward to. Even in the most difficult of circumstances, there are little details that can bring joy and beauty.
Be Patient
It’s easy to become impatient with yourself or with life when things aren’t happening fast enough or the way that you would like them to. When this happens, take a step back, and remember that the art of living is a process. Just like a master artist painstakingly creates a masterpiece over time, we too must continue to work on ourselves and our lives each day.
It is important to have patience with the process and acknowledge your own growth, even the small steps and successes that don’t seem like much. The artist knows that the masterpiece will eventually be completed, and the same is true for us.
Practice Non-Attachment
Another important part of the art of living is practicing non-attachment. This means accepting whatever life brings without expecting or longing for anything else. It means being content with your life and yourself in the present moment, no matter what.
When life throws you a curveball, it can be tempting to wish things were different or to complicate the situation with your thoughts and emotions. However, the art of living is about learning to be at peace, no matter what. In the words of the Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, “When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. That’s the message he is sending.”
Enjoy the Adventure of Life
Most importantly, learning the art of living is about embracing life with joy and excitement. Life can be an amazing adventure if you let it. It can be full of surprises, joys, and opportunities for growth.
It is possible to make the most of every moment, even when life is hard. As the Dalai Lama once said, “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” Taking the time to pause and be mindful of each moment, both the highs and the lows, allows us to fully experience the richness of life.
Conclusion
The art of living is not about carelessly drifting along or fearfully clinging to the past. It’s about being fully engaged with the present moment, no matter what life throws at you. It takes patience, courage, commitment, and a desire to make the most of every moment. By practicing these things, you will find that life can be a beautiful adventure.
Sources:
– Einstein, Albert. “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” Brainy Quote.
– “Every morning the sun rises and we are given one more day to be grateful for.” African Proverb
– Nhat Hanh, Thich. “When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over.” Brainy Quote
– Dalai Lama. “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” Brainy Quote.