In a recent episode of What is Now?, Saqib and I discussed the nature of thinking, and we came to an exploration of the following question: is it possible to ever actually not be present? We commonly say that thoughts about the future and thoughts about the past are indicators of not being “present” or “in the moment.” For example, If I’m daydreaming about a future vacation or worrying about a recent awkward conversation, you might say that I’m not being fully present. To be fully present would be to stop thinking about something that isn’t in my current environment and instead focus on what is in front of me right now (e.g., this computer screen and the physical act of typing).

But in our conversation, Saqib and I wondered if thoughts about the future and past are maybe just as present as anything else in reality. These thoughts are also occurring only in the present moment. My thoughts about sitting on the beach are happening now, and in some way I am experiencing “the beach.” My thoughts about the awkward conversation from earlier are happening now, and in some way I am experiencing the interaction and the feelings associated with the interaction in this moment.

So it’s possible that we actually have no option but to be fully present at all times, no matter what. Then was now and then will be now, always.

Here’s a link to the episode if you’re interested in exploring this topic further and joining us for the What is Now? experience: Episode 7) What is a Thought?

What does it mean
to you
to be
”present”?

How can you
not be
“present”?

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