Have you ever caught yourself dreaming about the future or dwelling on the past, only to realize you’re missing out on the beauty of this very moment? Our lives are often filled by dreams and aspirations—desires to be somewhere else, doing something different, or being with someone else. These desires overshadow a crucial realization: the beauty of our current existence often go unnoticed. This chase is rooted in what’s known as an unconscious state of mind, where our thoughts are more fixated on what we lack rather than appreciating what we presently have. Many individuals live in this unconscious state of mind their entire lives and never experience what it is like to truly be alive.

“The root of suffering is not the pain itself, but the clinging to pleasure and the aversion to pain.”

– Buddha

As the Buddha said, our minds can become easily fixated on desires and lack, causing us to overlook the beauty of the present moment. It is not the pain or pleasure itself that causes us suffering, but our mental grasping and rejection of these experiences. When we can let go of these tendencies and simply be present with what is, we open ourselves up to truly appreciating the wonder of our current life. Instead of pursuing distant dreams and ideals, why not cultivate a sense of gratitude for what’s right in front of us? By doing so, we can break free from the chains the unconscious state of mind described and start to genuinely experience the richness of our lived experience.

The Art of Being Present

Pause for a moment and engage with your current environment. Listen closely—perhaps you’ll notice the gentle hum of the air conditioner or the chirping of birds outside your window. Take a look around; observe the colors and shades that paint your surroundings. Touch the surface beneath you; feel its texture, its temperature, and let this sensation fully settle. Remember the taste of your last meal, or the refreshing sip of water you just had. Acknowledge this moment; you are here, you are breathing, you are alive. Life is more than a series of breaths; it’s the conscious experience of each one. To be ‘present’ is not just about acknowledging your existence—it’s about awakening to the world around you.

The Impact of Living Unconsciously

“Why bother being present?” you might ask. “How does it change anything?” The answer lies in the power of mindfulness, which significantly improves our overall well-being. By being fully present, we allow ourselves to engage with the task at hand, fostering a deeper connection to our actions and experiences. This is especially crucial in today’s digital era, where our attention is constantly divided by screens and notifications. It helps us shift our focus from dwelling on past misunderstandings or worrying about the future to appreciating the simplicity of the ‘now’.

“Anxiety, the illness of our time, comes primarily from our inability to dwell in the present moment.”

– Thich Nhat Hanh

When we are unable to be mindfully aware and grounded in the here and now, we become overwhelmed by an unpleasant feeling taking a form of worry and a sense of lack or dissatisfaction — the go-to indicators of anxiety. Our inability to dwell in the present moment, to truly inhabit the here and now, is a primary driver of the anxiety that has become so prevalent in our modern, fast-paced world, prioritizing external motivators over well-being.

Living in a state of constant distraction, where our minds are preoccupied with anything but the present, is the same as navigating life on autopilot. This mode of existence, where tasks are completed automatically without true engagement, not only diminishes our life’s quality but also leads to mental health issues. The constant thoughts, plans, and worries keeps us detached from the beauty of living in the now, leading to a life ruled by the unconscious mind rather than conscious choice. Recognizing the need for presence is the first step toward a clearer, more fulfilling existence.

Choosing the Path of Awareness

The journey toward living more mindfully begins with a simple yet profound revelation: the fulfillment we seek externally has always been within us. The power to change, to live fully, and to experience joy is within each of us, awaiting our awareness and acceptance.

With the knowledge of this inner power, the path forward is yours to choose. Will you continue to let the unconscious mind control your life, or will you choose to break free of this cycle — to be alive, choosing to live each moment with awareness and intention?

“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness, and to that freedom for all.”

– Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, Sanskrit Mantra