At Desert Peace Therapy, we often emphasize the importance of living mindfully, an essential aspect of our practice, especially as we guide individuals through Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Being present in the moment allows us to connect with our emotions, thoughts, and the world around us in ways that promote healing and mental well-being. This concept is not only a cornerstone of therapeutic practice but also deeply rooted in philosophical traditions.
Dr. Larry Senn and “Be Here Now”
Dr. Larry Senn, the founder of Senn Delaney, a culture-shaping organization, introduced the “Be Here Now” principle to encourage greater mindfulness and presence in the workplace and beyond. According to Senn, when we are distracted by thoughts about the past or the future, we lose our ability to focus on what truly matters in the present. This lack of presence impacts not only our productivity but also our well-being and relationships.
The idea behind “Be Here Now” is simple yet profound: to cultivate focus and awareness in the current moment. At Desert Peace Therapy, we incorporate this concept into therapy sessions, guiding clients to let go of their preoccupations with what has already happened or what may occur, allowing them to fully engage with their current emotions, thoughts, and experiences. This approach promotes deeper healing and a stronger connection with oneself and others.
Ancient Wisdom on Living in the Present
Philosophers throughout history have spoken about the importance of living in the moment, linking it to the ideas of peace and self-awareness. This understanding can be found across various schools of thought, each offering timeless insights into the mental health benefits of staying present.
Plato, one of the founding figures of Western philosophy, believed in the importance of balance and self-reflection. In The Republic, he wrote about the divided soul, where human desires pull in many directions. When we are fixated on the past or future, we lose the clarity to understand ourselves. Plato’s wisdom encourages us to reflect on our present experiences as a means to achieving harmony within.
Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor, in his Meditations, emphasized the power of focusing on the present. He wrote: “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” For Marcus Aurelius, anxiety stems from anticipating future events we cannot control. He believed that peace comes from aligning ourselves with the present moment, as it is the only reality we truly inhabit. This idea is central to our approach in therapy: helping clients develop the resilience to remain calm amidst life’s uncertainties.
Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher and author of the Tao Te Ching, spoke about living in harmony with the flow of life. His words remind us that trying to control the uncontrollable, whether dwelling on past mistakes or fearing future outcomes, disrupts our peace. Lao Tzu said, “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” This simple yet profound statement aligns with many of our evidence-based therapeutic techniques, helping clients focus on the present as a way to achieve mental clarity and emotional equilibrium.
Mental Health and the Present Moment
At Desert Peace Therapy, we see how many of our clients, whether dealing with anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, struggle with remaining present. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) emphasizes this by challenging distorted thinking patterns and focusing on how thoughts about the past or future can influence current emotional states. Similarly, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy helps caregivers and children be present with one another, fostering connection and understanding.
Mindfulness exercises and grounding techniques are integral tools in therapy that help individuals break the habit of living in the past or future. These practices can reduce anxiety and depression by reinforcing the present-moment focus.
Conclusion: Bringing Peace into Your Life
Being present doesn’t mean we ignore the past or stop planning for the future. It means that we can acknowledge and learn from those timeframes without letting them dictate our emotional state. As we practice being in the now, we allow ourselves to experience true peace and fulfillment.
At Desert Peace Therapy, we believe that the journey to mental well-being is deeply tied to learning how to live mindfully. When we guide clients through therapy, we empower them to bring their awareness back to the present moment, where healing can begin. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety about the future or regrets about the past, we are here to help you live more fully and peacefully in the present.
Embrace the present moment with us, and let the past and future take their rightful places. Your peace begins now.
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One response to “Be Here Now: Live Fully in the Present”
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!