We live in a society that conditions us, from a very young age, to live outside of the present moment. Our upbringing, education, and the omnipresence of social media all contribute to a tendency to focus on the past or future, often to the detriment of our ability to appreciate the here and now. This article explores how these factors shape our perspective and what we can do to reorient ourselves towards the present moment.
The Conditioning Framework
Our upbringing and education form the bedrock of our perspectives on life. From childhood, we’re often taught to achieve and compete – to get good grades, to excel in extracurricular activities, and to secure a good job in the future. While these are not inherently negative aspirations, they foster a future-oriented mindset that can detract from our ability to savour the present.
Enter Social Media
Social media amplifies this focus away from the present. The highlight reels of others’ lives can make us feel as if we’re missing out, leading to a perpetual state of longing and comparison. Moreover, the rapid-fire pace of information leaves little room for quiet reflection or appreciation of the present.
The Role of Society
Society’s expectations play a significant role too. We’re often conditioned to believe that success, happiness, and worth are found in material possessions, status, or specific milestones. Consequently, our minds are drawn to constantly chase these markers of ‘success’ rather than finding satisfaction in our current state.
Shift in Perspective: Embracing the Present
The solution to this constant forward or backward gazing is a shift in perspective, a conscious effort to embrace the present moment. Here are a few strategies to help accomplish this:
- Mindfulness: This practice involves intentionally focusing your attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. It could be as simple as savouring your morning coffee or as structured as a mindfulness meditation session.
- Gratitude: Cultivating gratitude encourages you to appreciate what you have right now. A daily gratitude journal can help reinforce this habit.
- Digital Detox: Regularly taking time away from digital devices allows you to disconnect from the digital world’s pace and pressures and connect more fully with your surroundings.
- Reframe Success: Redefine what success means to you. Consider aspects beyond societal norms, like personal growth, relationships, and your impact on others.
- Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what you can learn from the experience.
Reflective Thoughts
- Identify an area in your life where you’re not fully present. What can you do differently?
- What does success look like to you, independent of societal expectations?
- What’s one step you can take today towards living more in the moment?
Breaking My Addictions Summary
While our society often conditions us to live outside of the present, we have the power to shift our perspective and cultivate a more present-focused mindset. By practicing mindfulness, cultivating gratitude, taking digital detoxes, reframing our definition of success, and treating ourselves with compassion, we can mitigate the effects of societal conditioning and foster a greater appreciation for the here and now.
