The movie “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” closes with a scene of three misfit friends riding in an open roof car into the night, blaring music with fists in the air as the main character narrates the words “in this moment, we are infinite.” I think that is what made the three of them feel “infinite” was that they were embracing the present moment and appreciating its value without worrying about the next point they might reach.
What made them feel this way? Without realizing it, you have probably met someone who expressed this art of living in some shape or form. Maybe it was a teacher who brought all of his energy to the classroom and encouraged you to delve into the world of the middle ages for 50 minutes, creating a space for his students’ minds to wander further than the limits of the present time. Maybe it was a grandparent who sat with you one summer afternoon with eyes closed, listening to you play piano for an hour as if it were the most important thing they would accomplish the entire day. Or, maybe you have talked to a friend who gave you their undivided attention at a time where they could just as easily scroll through their phone or half-listen.
In any case, each scenario involves actually spending your full time and not multi-tasking, no matter how tempting it might be. It is easy to multi-task, we do it every day without thinking, but what is difficult is pouring all of your energy into one act. I think that it takes a certain discipline and generosity. In a way, living in the moment with people is an act of love because our time is precious and giving it 100 percent is a gift. A lesson I have learned is that you can’t meet people deeply if you aren’t able to give them your full time and attention on some level.
Living in the moment can be done in simple ways too. It could be the ability to just sit still and listen to music or pay close attention to the exhibits of an art museum, despite the distractions going on around you. Do something extraordinary in an ordinary place. Don’t stick to the same routine every day, instead chase a colorful life out of the moments you have by really spending them. This isn’t something I’m good at, but it’s something I plan on working towards. I want to look back on my life and know that I took my time and made it worthwhile.