Present moment

Photo: Yantar Yoga

Stilling the fluctuations of the mind, as per Patanjali’s definition in Yoga Sutras, is the essence of yoga and the hardest thing about the practice. While most easily experienced during meditation, that stillness of the mind aspirationally should over time become a characteristic of our daily existence in whatever we do. Whether working or relaxing, alone or with others, the ideal of yoga is to keep the mind focused on the present moment - no rumination or anticipation. Easier said than done, right?

I’m spending these holidays in Poland and listening to the radio I was reminded of a beautiful poem by Nobel Prize winner in literature Wisława Szymborska in that context. I wish I could say my mind has been still here but… Holiday travel can be stressful to begin with, but this year in particular my thoughts are revisiting the past and rather anxiously looking toward the future. I venture to guess I’m not the only one. Most acutely, though, I am feeling the weight of the war and the enormity of totally unnecessary human suffering in the neighboring Ukraine, not just sad but angry. I take a deep breath and issue a reminder to self: all there is is this moment, whether pleasant or painful, and only accepting it can bring us inner peace. The past is the past, we can’t change it. The future is not yet here. The present is the only reality there is and our minds co-create it. As they say, pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.

With that renewed perspective I took a walk to my favorite local monastery in the Świętokrzyskie region of southeastern Poland, dating back to the early 17th century. It always looks beautiful, but especially so in the winter. The ripples of my mind subside and Szymborska’s poem, “Nic dwa razy” or “Nothing twice,” comes to me. Depending on your views on reincarnation you may quibble with the first stanza, but I really like the author’s focus on the present moment and the imperative to appreciate every single one of them with full attention. Every moment is precious because it won’t happen again, and what makes it particularly special are the people we get to share each speck of time with. Take it all in this holiday season and beyond!  

I don’t quite like the English translation so let me just share this one stanza:

Why do we treat the fleeting day / Cze­mu ty się, zła go­dzi­no,
with so much needless fear and sorrow? / z nie­po­trzeb­nym mie­szasz lę­kiem?
It's in its nature not to stay / Je­steś - a więc mu­sisz mi­nąć.
Today is always gone tomorrow / Mi­niesz - a więc to jest pięk­ne.

You can listen to the whole poem in the original, with its soothing rhythm, beautifully performed by a brilliant young Polish singer Sarah. Happy - and truly peaceful - holidays to all!