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Living in the Now

Posted By: Randy GageJuly 8, 2011

Sogyal Rinpoche tells the story of great meditation master Dudjom Rinpoche who was driving through France with his wife.  They passed a cemetery and she was amazed how clean and orderly everything was.  She exclaimed, “Look how everything in the West is so neat and clean.  Even the places where they keep corpses are spotless.”

Dudjom Rinpoche replied, “But haven’t you noticed?  They have such wonderful houses for the living corpses too.”  Fascinating isn’t it how many people have already died, but forgot to lie down.

Now if you believe in reincarnation or eternal life, it certainly colors your view of death.  Even if you don’t, death can give you a catalyst for living.  For many people, the longer they live, the anxiety to avoid unavoidable death becomes more acute.  Their craving for survival in the future makes them incapable of living in the present.

The present.  The moment.  The now.

I hope you will focus on that.  Living in the present, and really living your life.  Don’t be so afraid to die, that you forget to live.

My close experiences with death put me on the path to awakening, causing a transformation to my entire approach to living.  My experience is not uncommon…

Researchers who have studied people who have gone through near death experiences noticed many commonalities in the subjects.  Most of them value love more, have a deeper longing for the spiritual dimension of life, less fear of death, and a deeper acceptance of it.  It should also be noted that most of them have less interest in materialistic pursuits.

Now that’s an interesting aspect indeed…

Because I started down that path as well.  But made an abrupt U-turn when I delved deeper into the study of prosperity.  And I began to see the materialistic pursuits as an integral part of my spiritual self.  I don’t live for money and things, but I celebrate how money and things can allow expression to my life.  But that’s for another lesson.…

Thoughts?

-RG

 

 

26 comments on “Living in the Now”

  1. Hi Randy,

    wow, that's an inspiring lesson. I can totally relate that materialistic things including money are tools to express ourselves as spiritual beings in a material world. Remains the question if money is matter or energy.

    Thanks for sharing your powerful insights.

    Be blessed

    Oliver

  2. Randy. Fascinating post you commented on today. I fully agree. Step to share my personal experience. In 2008, I donate to my youngest son (3 years at the time) one of my kidneys. Both went through surgery in parallel to the transplant. Just before the surgery I felt a total surrender to whatever God's will, I had never been in an operating room. I felt no fear of anything.
    That surgery changed my life and way of seeing things, change my way of scoping materials targets, it change my daily work that I have today (10 hours) but also increased my fears about the job possibilities, perhaps a person with one kidney is not considered in the same manner as other without this condition. But nevertheless I decided taht I wanted to be independent and wanted to secure my future and my children, on my own. Thank God today we enjoy very good health all and will remain so. However, when taking action many times I ask myself the question:
    Why so much effort? Is it so important to get your material aspirations, if at the end of the day we all ended up in the same place and we can no take anything with us?
    However, I know I have many years ahead and so we must take action, but the internal struggles is in me. I know I have to do for my children for me and my wife.
    Thanks for writing this post, I now realize that I am not the only one with a feeling like this.
    Question: ow can I get out of this situation to take action that requires what you say? I am reading books from Napoleon Hill, from you, etc
    Thank you very much
    Gabriel Suarez

  3. "I don’t live for money and things, but I celebrate how money and things can allow expression to my life"

    Great way to articulate the pursuit and life of prosperity.

    If you don't mind that sentence is now on a post-it by my computer...

    Health, Wealth and Love to all -
    F:)

  4. I was just in a tangle with someone about a similar topic.

    My premise is that once we truly connect with who we are (love, energy) and that we realize we are always connected with source (eternal love, energy, our creator) that that is great and wonderful but it's not the end of the experience nor should it be a forever "search" to "find love". If it is taking you forever to find that kind of love then maybe your searching down the wrong path cuz it's really not that hard to find. But once you find it...don't stop there!

    I don't think creation was a mistake, I think it is a gift and because of that our purpose is to create. Become our potential. Grow our skills so that we can express that in life. Life is about remembering who we really are and then DOING something with that. If the purpose was just self contained bliss then we all may as well plant poppy fields and get high.

  5. Living in the now is paramount to peace and fullfillment in this life. Where material things are concerned, the attachment to them is what typically takes them away. I've learned to appreciate everything but with no attachment to it. If it were all gone tomorrow, I'd still be at peace. The peace is where the gift is and once you have it, nothing else can compare.

  6. Hi Randy,
    What a great post!If we understand what death is the fear will gone and we can really enjoy life with all its elements and express our true potential.
    Money and all the material things are just tools for that,not the purpose of life itself:)
    Thank you for sharing this:)

    Namaste,
    Radu

  7. Hi Randy,
    About this subject, I would like to share a poem by Pablo Neruda, a brilliant chilean poet. Here it is:

    Die slowly

    They die slowly, those who don’t travel, who don’t read, who don’t hear music,who don’t find grace in themselves. They die slowly those who destroy their own love,who won’t accept help.

    They die slowly, those who become a slave of habit, repeating the same trajectories every day, who don’t change aim, don’t take the risk of dressing in a new color, and don’t talk to people who they don’t know.

    They die slowly, those who make a guru out of their television.

    They die slowly, those who avoid a passion, who prefer black on whiteand dotted “I”s over a tumult of emotions, exactly that which rescues the gleam in their eyes, smiles from yawns, hearts from blunders and sorrows.

    They die slowly, those who don’t turn the tables when they are unhappy at work, who don’t risk the certain for the uncertain to run after a dream who don’t permit themselves, even just once in a lifetime, to run away from sensible advice.

    They die slowly, those who pass their days complaining about their bad luck
    or about the incessant rain. They die slowly, those who abandon a project before starting it, never asking about a subject they are unfamiliar with, never responding when asked about something they know.

    We avoid the smooth dues of death by always remembering that being alive
    demands an effort much more than the simple action of breathing. That only through our most ardent patience will we conquer a splendid happiness

    PABLO NERUDA

    ...I hope you liked it, hugs and love for everyone.

    Ximena.

      1. This poem is a great eye opener and in complete alignment with my sentiments. Your posts about living now and perspective on prosperity are always so in tune with what I am going through and coming to terms with. I can't ever say thanks enough. I wish more people in my life could embrace this. But for now I can, and that is what matters. I choose this abundant love filled life. Xoxo. Lucy.

  8. Hi Randy, thanks for a great post today. A long time ago I studied under a zen master, had a shaven head like you and even lived in a zen monastery for a while. But I left because most people there were broke, and that didn't sit well with me. I didn't want to become one of them. Now I study under a teacher who promotes a 200% life: 100% spiritual and 100% material. I believe God wants her children to prosper and you are an inspiring example of that. Blessings to you and all those you touch.

    1. I like what you said Josephine, that God wants his children to prosper. We have been given a talent, skills and resources. No one, not even God, wants to see us suffering. It is up to us, what we make out of the life given to us.

      So let's live then. Let's enjoy every moment and keep growing on this beautiful planet called Earth. :o)

    2. this is shown in the Bible with the parable of the talents. The servants who made money while their master (God) was away were praised. The one servant who was afraid to do anything with what their Lord had left him with was very sternly rebuked.

  9. Hi Randy,
    Thank you for sharing this with us.It is very profound.
    Thank you to everyone who has shared their thaughts & experiences too.The poem by Pablo Rumaldo is so true.
    May God make you Rich in His Blessings everyone.
    Colette

    1. Dear Southern Sweetie
      No one can express more of you but you.
      Why just a wee bit more? Do I detect Irish genes?
      Would now be a good time to start expressing yourself more fully?
      To a rich, new, exciting, adventurous, overflowing you!

      1. "I celebrate how money and things can allow expression to my life"

        I was commenting on money and things allowing the freedom of expression. My current focus is 50 million, which is a "wee bit" in the face of infinity and ample room for the foundation of expression. No Irish genes that I know of.

        I am looking forward to a rich, new, exciting, adventurous, overflowing me too! 🙂

  10. Hey Randy! Our book club is currently reading "The Yamas & Niyamas -- Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice" and I am looking forward to sharing your idea that "I don’t live for money and things, but I celebrate how money and things can allow expression to my life", specifically when we discuss the section on non-attachment.

    As the book says, "Non-attachment does not mean that we don't care. In fact, non-attachment frees us up to be immersed in appreciation of life and one another." Which is another way of saying what you're saying.

    I realize you added "that’s for another lesson....", but I wanted to mention it now while I was thinking of it. Thanks for another great post!
    jim

  11. Hi RG,

    My girlfriend and I have hit Wat Lanka temple for hour long meditation sessions every other day here in Cambodia. In addition to the 30 minute session I engage in, first thing in the morning. Helps keep us present, totally, for longer periods each day.

    Wonderful experience, the Now. I observe when I think ahead, focus on the past, with deeper meditation. All the planning, thinking, feeling, imagining, fighting, worrying, seeing....and repeating all these things, again and again, totally ignoring the present, the Now, which is all we have.

    I suspect most of us spend years of our lives outside the Now, until we have a near death experience. Or until we have an awakening experience.

    Until you are present where you are, until you are fully there, you won't experience how rich life really is. Now is what exists. All else, exists only as a figment in your imagination, because no one has mastered time travel, at least now yet.

    Thanks for keeping me present, Randy 😉

    Ryan

  12. Also if the scientists would proof that there is nothing after death - we should believe in incarnation or live after death just because it is such a better feeling!

    Have fun

    Volker

  13. Nothing like being in the moment, like the seconds before an orgasm, but again that is a totally different subject *evil grin* but a perfect example of being in the NOW !!!

  14. I have almost died at least 3 times that I know of. I plan for the future and learn from the past but now I take the moments as they come and the opportunities when presented. I take vacations often. I stop my work to sit down with a friend in need or one of my children needs to talk. I put off an errand to watch a movie with my 19 yr old son when he wants his mom around, because it's not too often now. Those moments I don't want to miss! Now is all I really have and I want to taste, smell and enjoy every minute of it.

  15. Hi Randy,

    Yes, I heard about the famous Randy Gage years ago and in 2008 a friend gave me your 'Seven things that make a difference'.Every word made sense and am enjoying your articles, videos etc. since then.I believe there is no coincidence or accidents for God's children.

    Thanks again.

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  • 26 comments on “Living in the Now”

    1. Hi Randy,

      wow, that's an inspiring lesson. I can totally relate that materialistic things including money are tools to express ourselves as spiritual beings in a material world. Remains the question if money is matter or energy.

      Thanks for sharing your powerful insights.

      Be blessed

      Oliver

    2. Randy. Fascinating post you commented on today. I fully agree. Step to share my personal experience. In 2008, I donate to my youngest son (3 years at the time) one of my kidneys. Both went through surgery in parallel to the transplant. Just before the surgery I felt a total surrender to whatever God's will, I had never been in an operating room. I felt no fear of anything.
      That surgery changed my life and way of seeing things, change my way of scoping materials targets, it change my daily work that I have today (10 hours) but also increased my fears about the job possibilities, perhaps a person with one kidney is not considered in the same manner as other without this condition. But nevertheless I decided taht I wanted to be independent and wanted to secure my future and my children, on my own. Thank God today we enjoy very good health all and will remain so. However, when taking action many times I ask myself the question:
      Why so much effort? Is it so important to get your material aspirations, if at the end of the day we all ended up in the same place and we can no take anything with us?
      However, I know I have many years ahead and so we must take action, but the internal struggles is in me. I know I have to do for my children for me and my wife.
      Thanks for writing this post, I now realize that I am not the only one with a feeling like this.
      Question: ow can I get out of this situation to take action that requires what you say? I am reading books from Napoleon Hill, from you, etc
      Thank you very much
      Gabriel Suarez

    3. "I don’t live for money and things, but I celebrate how money and things can allow expression to my life"

      Great way to articulate the pursuit and life of prosperity.

      If you don't mind that sentence is now on a post-it by my computer...

      Health, Wealth and Love to all -
      F:)

    4. I was just in a tangle with someone about a similar topic.

      My premise is that once we truly connect with who we are (love, energy) and that we realize we are always connected with source (eternal love, energy, our creator) that that is great and wonderful but it's not the end of the experience nor should it be a forever "search" to "find love". If it is taking you forever to find that kind of love then maybe your searching down the wrong path cuz it's really not that hard to find. But once you find it...don't stop there!

      I don't think creation was a mistake, I think it is a gift and because of that our purpose is to create. Become our potential. Grow our skills so that we can express that in life. Life is about remembering who we really are and then DOING something with that. If the purpose was just self contained bliss then we all may as well plant poppy fields and get high.

    5. Living in the now is paramount to peace and fullfillment in this life. Where material things are concerned, the attachment to them is what typically takes them away. I've learned to appreciate everything but with no attachment to it. If it were all gone tomorrow, I'd still be at peace. The peace is where the gift is and once you have it, nothing else can compare.

    6. Hi Randy,
      What a great post!If we understand what death is the fear will gone and we can really enjoy life with all its elements and express our true potential.
      Money and all the material things are just tools for that,not the purpose of life itself:)
      Thank you for sharing this:)

      Namaste,
      Radu

    7. Hi Randy,
      About this subject, I would like to share a poem by Pablo Neruda, a brilliant chilean poet. Here it is:

      Die slowly

      They die slowly, those who don’t travel, who don’t read, who don’t hear music,who don’t find grace in themselves. They die slowly those who destroy their own love,who won’t accept help.

      They die slowly, those who become a slave of habit, repeating the same trajectories every day, who don’t change aim, don’t take the risk of dressing in a new color, and don’t talk to people who they don’t know.

      They die slowly, those who make a guru out of their television.

      They die slowly, those who avoid a passion, who prefer black on whiteand dotted “I”s over a tumult of emotions, exactly that which rescues the gleam in their eyes, smiles from yawns, hearts from blunders and sorrows.

      They die slowly, those who don’t turn the tables when they are unhappy at work, who don’t risk the certain for the uncertain to run after a dream who don’t permit themselves, even just once in a lifetime, to run away from sensible advice.

      They die slowly, those who pass their days complaining about their bad luck
      or about the incessant rain. They die slowly, those who abandon a project before starting it, never asking about a subject they are unfamiliar with, never responding when asked about something they know.

      We avoid the smooth dues of death by always remembering that being alive
      demands an effort much more than the simple action of breathing. That only through our most ardent patience will we conquer a splendid happiness

      PABLO NERUDA

      ...I hope you liked it, hugs and love for everyone.

      Ximena.

        1. This poem is a great eye opener and in complete alignment with my sentiments. Your posts about living now and perspective on prosperity are always so in tune with what I am going through and coming to terms with. I can't ever say thanks enough. I wish more people in my life could embrace this. But for now I can, and that is what matters. I choose this abundant love filled life. Xoxo. Lucy.

    8. Hi Randy, thanks for a great post today. A long time ago I studied under a zen master, had a shaven head like you and even lived in a zen monastery for a while. But I left because most people there were broke, and that didn't sit well with me. I didn't want to become one of them. Now I study under a teacher who promotes a 200% life: 100% spiritual and 100% material. I believe God wants her children to prosper and you are an inspiring example of that. Blessings to you and all those you touch.

      1. I like what you said Josephine, that God wants his children to prosper. We have been given a talent, skills and resources. No one, not even God, wants to see us suffering. It is up to us, what we make out of the life given to us.

        So let's live then. Let's enjoy every moment and keep growing on this beautiful planet called Earth. :o)

      2. this is shown in the Bible with the parable of the talents. The servants who made money while their master (God) was away were praised. The one servant who was afraid to do anything with what their Lord had left him with was very sternly rebuked.

    9. Hi Randy,
      Thank you for sharing this with us.It is very profound.
      Thank you to everyone who has shared their thaughts & experiences too.The poem by Pablo Rumaldo is so true.
      May God make you Rich in His Blessings everyone.
      Colette

      1. Dear Southern Sweetie
        No one can express more of you but you.
        Why just a wee bit more? Do I detect Irish genes?
        Would now be a good time to start expressing yourself more fully?
        To a rich, new, exciting, adventurous, overflowing you!

        1. "I celebrate how money and things can allow expression to my life"

          I was commenting on money and things allowing the freedom of expression. My current focus is 50 million, which is a "wee bit" in the face of infinity and ample room for the foundation of expression. No Irish genes that I know of.

          I am looking forward to a rich, new, exciting, adventurous, overflowing me too! 🙂

    10. Hey Randy! Our book club is currently reading "The Yamas & Niyamas -- Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice" and I am looking forward to sharing your idea that "I don’t live for money and things, but I celebrate how money and things can allow expression to my life", specifically when we discuss the section on non-attachment.

      As the book says, "Non-attachment does not mean that we don't care. In fact, non-attachment frees us up to be immersed in appreciation of life and one another." Which is another way of saying what you're saying.

      I realize you added "that’s for another lesson....", but I wanted to mention it now while I was thinking of it. Thanks for another great post!
      jim

    11. Hi RG,

      My girlfriend and I have hit Wat Lanka temple for hour long meditation sessions every other day here in Cambodia. In addition to the 30 minute session I engage in, first thing in the morning. Helps keep us present, totally, for longer periods each day.

      Wonderful experience, the Now. I observe when I think ahead, focus on the past, with deeper meditation. All the planning, thinking, feeling, imagining, fighting, worrying, seeing....and repeating all these things, again and again, totally ignoring the present, the Now, which is all we have.

      I suspect most of us spend years of our lives outside the Now, until we have a near death experience. Or until we have an awakening experience.

      Until you are present where you are, until you are fully there, you won't experience how rich life really is. Now is what exists. All else, exists only as a figment in your imagination, because no one has mastered time travel, at least now yet.

      Thanks for keeping me present, Randy 😉

      Ryan

    12. Also if the scientists would proof that there is nothing after death - we should believe in incarnation or live after death just because it is such a better feeling!

      Have fun

      Volker

    13. Nothing like being in the moment, like the seconds before an orgasm, but again that is a totally different subject *evil grin* but a perfect example of being in the NOW !!!

    14. I have almost died at least 3 times that I know of. I plan for the future and learn from the past but now I take the moments as they come and the opportunities when presented. I take vacations often. I stop my work to sit down with a friend in need or one of my children needs to talk. I put off an errand to watch a movie with my 19 yr old son when he wants his mom around, because it's not too often now. Those moments I don't want to miss! Now is all I really have and I want to taste, smell and enjoy every minute of it.

    15. Hi Randy,

      Yes, I heard about the famous Randy Gage years ago and in 2008 a friend gave me your 'Seven things that make a difference'.Every word made sense and am enjoying your articles, videos etc. since then.I believe there is no coincidence or accidents for God's children.

      Thanks again.

    Leave a Reply to Lucy Clark Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


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