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The first thing necessary for a constructive dealing with time is to learn to live in the reality of the present moment. For psychologically speaking, this present moment is all we have. The past and future have meaning because they are part of the present: a past event has existence now because you are thinking of it at this present moment, or because it influences you so that you, as a living being in the present, are that much different. The future has reality because one can bring it into his mind in the present. Past was the present at one time, and the future will be the present at some coming moment. To try to live in the 'when' of the future or the 'then' of the past always involves an artificiality, a separating one's self from reality; for in actuality one exists is the present. The past has meaning as it lights up the present, and the future as it makes the present richer and more profound.

Rollo May#13

LifeMeaningRealityMindfulnessPresentTime

About this quote

What does it mean?
Living in the present is essential because the past and future only have meaning as they exist in the now.
In plain terms
You only have the present moment; the past and future matter because they affect now.
What can you take from it?
Live in the present moment.

Where it applies

  • stress management
  • mindfulness
  • daily living

Putting it to work

  • practice presence
  • avoid dwelling on past or future

Questions to consider

  • Are you living in the present?
  • How does the past affect your now?

Another view

Planning for the future is sometimes necessary.

More from Rollo May

  1. Memory is not just the imprint of the past time upon us; it is the keeper of what is meaningful for our deepest hopes and fears.

    Permalink to quote #12
  2. The practical implication is that one's goal is to live each moment with freedom, honesty and responsibility.

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. The ancient Greeks, as Plato reports, believed that we discover truth through 'reminiscence,' that is by 'remembering,' by intuitively searching into our own e…

    Permalink to quote #11

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