Daily Resolutions

 In “As Bill Sees It” on page 284, we are reminded that living one day at a time applies primarily to our emotional life: “Emotionally speaking, we must not live in yesterday, nor in tomorrow.”

Spiritual masters in all times remind us of this simple fact—all I have is this moment. When I slip into ruing the actions or non-actions of the past, I am out of this moment, dwelling in a never-land of regret and shame. When I future-trip, I am equally not present in the moment. Day-dreaming about where I’d like to be can be inspiring, if, after prayer and meditation, I have a goal in mind and I take the necessary actions to achieve it. If, however, I indulge in the kind of thinking which leads only to despair (When I win the Lotto, for instance), I’m not only not living in today, I am in a la-la land of pure fantasy. The drop back into reality hurts! If I choose to dwell in worry about what might happen, I am not living my today.

I choose to, as Baba Ram Dass said, “be here now”, to, as Bill W. said, “not live in yesterday, nor in tomorrow”, to remember the “The present is life - all else is either memory or imagination” (Abhjit Naskar), that, according to Yogini Patil, “Life is now. Not a second before, not a second later.”, and, as Jesus said, “Don’t worry about the things that haven’t happened yet. Live in the moment, and leave your worries for tomorrow.”

Today I count my blessings. I express my gratitude. I will take the next indicated action, and I will enjoy each moment as it comes. If I have a tomorrow, I will do the same.

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