The only time that really matters is now – the present. There is no past and no future, for all intents and purposes anyway.

Actually, I think an argument can be made that the past and the future don’t technically exist, there is only now. The past happened and events took place but there’s no returning to that moment; it is gone forever. The future has not happened and the events have not taken place and there is no guarantee they will for any of us. Of course, based on previous experience we can safely assume certain things will happen in our future to a reasonable extent however none of those things are assured. So in practicality, there is only the present.

I’m currently reading the book “Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life” by Thich Nhat Hanh. It’s a simple guide to basically be aware and present in the current moment and relax and be happy. Using conscious breathing and posing helpful tips for the average modern lifestyle, he describes how to be at peace with what is happening around us and to be okay with it.

It sounds simple enough and in fact, I’ve said what amounts to the same thing to my daughter many times when she gets worked up over something; I’ll ask her, “how do you relax?” and she’ll stop and close her eyes and take a deep breath. That’s essentially what this book describes but I still find it useful since it’s always nice to get another person’s viewpoint of things – especially someone who has been practicing this technique for their entire life.

I’m enjoying it and I feel I’ve already picked up a few tips that’ll help me on my path to achieve some of my new year’s resolutions which are to reduce stress and become more happy.