I've been blogging for about two years, and if you know me from the other site, you know that "presence" is more important in my life than any temporary life situation. As we say in the 12-Step world: Work the Program, not the problem. So, here's the text from my first blog.

An undergraduate professor of philosophy once asked his class: "What is the most important thing you have?" Answers ranged from health to family, a home, ... The answer he was looking for was "this moment". This moment is the only thing we really have. It is where life takes place. The past is a shadow, it has no substance. The future is a dream, a projection, a fantasy--everything but a reality.

The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle, (1999) may just as well have been called, Zen for Dummies. The concept is so simple--life takes place NOW, but it does need explanation for those of us who are/were used to doing things the "unconscious" way. Lamenting the past, and projecting imaginary futures, and letting life pass us by.

Tolle explains the process of *Being Present*, without doctrine, without ritual. No complications inspired by the mind or ego. Just the principle of *self* as the observer of the mind. Self as the Being. The self *in-joy(ing)* life.

Thank you Dr. Applebaum (SUNY New Paltz, 1996)for starting me on the path to a new, happy life!

Comments:

You know, the main problem I run into about living in "the now," is dealing with people who DON'T live that way and try to pass their neurosis onto you. I sometimes find that to be more stressful..

hey there!

comment by kristilyn3 on Feb 8, 2008 9:39 AM ()

Thanks for stopping by !

reply by jjoohhnn on Feb 8, 2008 10:12 AM ()

I'm so glad you are here! Another buddy! Deb(aka ladyspain)

comment by teacherwoman on Feb 7, 2008 9:56 AM ()

Better late then not at all!

reply by jjoohhnn on Feb 8, 2008 10:14 AM ()

Hi John, it's lovely in here, starting over was the best thing 'I' did

comment by lynnie on Feb 6, 2008 3:41 PM ()

Hmm.. Not sure I'm starting over....just continuing from where I left off....Good to see you here!

reply by jjoohhnn on Feb 8, 2008 10:16 AM ()

i really need to read that book. its very rarely that I live in the now, always in the past or future. can you really live in the now! I would love to be able to do that.

comment by fredo on Feb 6, 2008 11:00 AM ()

I'm disgusted with the old Blogster. I don't tell other people how to do their jobs, so I won't go into a ##### list, but I'm about finished there (I hope Eddie doesn't make the same "improvements" here ). This place will get active soon as word is still getting around! Many of the regulars are here already! Yup, very nice place to blog!

reply by jjoohhnn on Feb 6, 2008 11:12 AM ()