The hustle and bustle of college make it easy to lose sight of life’s beautiful moments. Though it seems nearly impossible at times being mindful of the present is the only way to enjoy life to the fullest. Being mindful of the present automatically causes more individual happiness; this mindfulness and appreciation of life are truly beautiful concepts. Mindfulness is a state of active and open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance without judgement. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means alerting you to your daily experiences. People who have this mindset and a balanced appreciation for their past, present, and future, are viewed as idealists. The beauty of this mindset is that it’s an achievable ideal. It is achievable because, like the Dalai Lama says, “it is a hopeful mindset,” and everybody can hope for something.
Mindfulness, which finds its roots in Buddhism and psychology, is known as the “here and now.” Albert Einstein helps to better clarify this idea when he stated that “life can be boiled down to how you feel from moment to moment.” This is a scary concept for most. The fact that everything in a person’s complex, complicated and fast paced life can be boiled down to simple emotions frustrates many people. Einstein’s theory makes it hard for people to “waste time” stopping what they are doing to think about how they are feeling in each moment. However, there are many little things about a person's daily routine that can help contribute to their search for a mindful and happy life. For example, if someone is always busy and focused on what they have to do next, it would be wise for this person to do less in their day. Doing less would allow for more time each day to appreciate what one does from moment to moment. A word from the Dalai Lama, one of my personal favorite quotes, helps support the true challenge behind mindfulness:
“Man surprises me most about humanity. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”
After reading this, take some time for thought, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, probably procrastinating if you’re reading this in the library. Notice something new about an everyday sight. Think about what you have just read and how it can apply to your life. Consider the idea that you choose your path to happiness, and this search can be easily sped up with a balanced appreciation of your past, present, and future. You can change the smallest things and help guide your pursuit of happiness. Take the advice of Lonnie Ross: “Stop searching. Happiness is inside you.” Stray from strict routine and notice your environmental surroundings. Take a moment to be in the moment.
