by Alan Watts (curated)
Living in the Eternal Now is a concept that transcends the constraints of past and future, inviting us to fully embrace the present moment. It’s a perspective that resonates across various spiritual traditions and philosophies.
Eternal Now in Spirituality:
Eternal Now is a notion often associated with spirituality. It encompasses heightened awareness of the present moment and a holistic perception that extends beyond linear time.
Imagine shedding the weight of past regrets and future anxieties, immersing yourself in the richness of NOW. This state of being aligns with Unity, Buddhist philosophy, particularly Zen Buddhism, as well as shamanic practices and other spiritual paths. Related terms include “restful alertness,” “total awareness,” and “perception of here and now”.
God and the Eternal Now:
In Western theology, God is often conceived as existing outside of time. This eternal perspective transcends our temporal experience.
Unlike our fleeting moments, the overlying principle of God exists in an unchanging, timeless reality—an eternal NOW. Past, and future may be “memories” without change.
Silence of the Mind and Eternal Life:
To grasp Eternal Life, we must quiet the mind. In that stillness, remarkable absences emerge: no past, no future—only the vivid now.
Can you hear echoes from the past? Or whispers from the future? They elude our physical senses when we dwell in the present.
Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, urged us to observe the lilies of the field. They neither toil nor spin, yet their splendor surpasses Solomon’s, even as they fade away. Trust that God will clothe you with all necessary grace as you need it.
You Are God’s Child:
The really Good News of the gospel reminds us: you are God’s child. Just as Jesus knew His divine connection, recognize also your inherent divinity.
Begin where you are—now. Don’t postpone awakening. There’s no readiness checklist. You needn’t to wait, be older, wiser, or pain-free.
More than sufficient to the day is the abundance of it. Embrace today, for it holds the keys to the present which is eternal life. Leave the past to the historians.
So, dear seeker, let go of the past’s grip and the future’s allure. Enjoy the past as it blesses you and supports you, and be here right now. Breathe into the eternal now—the gateway to the universal, the Real Presence, and the fullness of Being.
Here’s a mind picture...
Eternal whispers,
Timeless breath in present hush,
Now blooms eternity.
03/17/24