Text: Jiang Zuomei Niang
In life, we are often swayed by different emotions. We sometimes dwell on the regrets of the past, sometimes worry about the unknown of the future, but often ignore the precious moments of the present.
This quote from the People's Daily is the best illustration of these sentiments:
"If you're depressed, you're living in the past; If you are anxious, it means that you are living in the future; If you are calm, you are living in the moment. "
This sentence not only explains the relationship between emotions and time perception, but also provides us with a direction to find inner peace.
In fact, a lot of the pain in our lives comes from losing track of time – either not being able to let go of the trauma of the past, or worrying about the uncertain future.
True happiness and tranquility come from whether we can live in the here and now, and enjoy every moment of the moment.
Next, I will interpret the connotation of this sentence from three aspects, hoping to help you find a more peaceful and calm state of mind, and live more freely.
01. Causes of depression: Failure to let go of the past and obsessing with the trauma of the past
"If you're depressed, you're living in the past."
Depression is an emotional state that is intimately linked to past trauma, regret, or loss. It often stems from past events that we can't let go of that we can't change. Whenever we recall past mistakes, failures, or pains, our inner emotions are reawakened, as if these traumas resurface, making it difficult for us to shake them off.
This emotional state is known in psychology as "rumination thinking." Ruminative thinking is when we constantly recall and re-enact negative events in the past, indulging in self-blame and remorse, but there is no way to make any substantial changes in the past. This way of thinking will only add to the burden on the heart, and may even lead to deep depression.
So, how can you get rid of depression?
We must learn to accept the past and let go of obsessions.
We can't change the facts of the past, but we can change the perception of the past. As the old saying goes: "The past cannot be traced, but the future can still be expected." "Instead of dwelling on what has already happened, look to the present and create new possibilities. Accept the pain of the past and learn to reconcile with the past so that you can find a path for yourself to the future.
02. The cause of anxiety: trapped by the unknown of the future and losing control of the present
"If you're anxious, you're living in the future."
Anxiety is one of the most common emotions in modern people, and it stems from uncertainty and fear of the future. Anxious people often get caught up in worries about the future, always worrying that something about to happen will have a bad outcome. Whether it's about the future of our careers, the prospects of our finances, or the arrangement of our personal lives, anxiety can keep us in a constant state of tension and uneasiness.
The root of anxiety lies in our desire for a sense of control. We always want to be in control of the future, thinking that if we can foresee every detail of the future, life will be smooth sailing.
However, many things in life are unpredictable, and worrying too much will only make us lose focus on the present moment and the ability to enjoy the time in front of us.
How do we deal with anxiety?
The opposite of anxiety is trust. To break the cycle of anxiety, the most important thing is to build trust in ourselves and our ability to meet the challenges ahead. At the same time, we must also learn to trust the natural laws of life and accept the unpredictability of the future.
In addition, focusing on the present moment is the key to relieving anxiety. As Lao Tzu said: "Those who do good deeds have no traces, and those who speak well are flawless." This quote tells us that the path ahead is determined by every step of the present.
If we can focus on the present and do everything well in the present, then the uncertainties of the future will become clearer over time.
03. The root of peace: Peace of mind is the present moment, and only by living in the present moment can you feel true happiness
"If you're calm, you're living in the moment."
Calm is a precious state of mind that means that we are free from the dwelling of the past and the unknowns of the future, but are able to live wholeheartedly in the here and now, enjoying every second of the present. This mindset is not easy to obtain, but once achieved, it brings inner satisfaction and peace.
There is a practice in psychology called "mindfulness", which emphasizes focusing on the present moment and helping us perceive every detail of the moment without letting our thoughts be distracted by the past or future. Through mindfulness practice, we can focus on our breathing, how our body feels, the sounds and sights around us, and gradually learn to enjoy every ordinary moment.
Of course, being calm does not mean that there must be no distractions in the outside world, but that we have the ability to face them within ourselves without being disturbed.
The most important thing to achieve true peace is to learn to accept.
Accept yourself, accept the imperfect life, accept the unsatisfactory reality. When you are able to fully accept the present moment, you can truly experience inner peace and happiness.
There is a saying in Zen Buddhism: "The present moment is complete." ”
Yes, when we are able to live fully in the moment, then every moment of our life will be fulfilling.
Calm comes from the inner acceptance of the present moment, from the tolerance of oneself and life.
04. Mei Niang said
Human emotions are often closely related to the perception of time. Depression stems from the past, anxiety originates from the future, and calmness originates from the present. Too often, we unconsciously become immersed in memories or perspectives, forgetting that the present moment is the moment we really have.
While there is nothing wrong with recalling the past and looking to the future, the most important thing is to learn how to live in the present.
The past cannot be changed, the future has not yet happened, and only the present is the moment that we can truly control.
Psychology guru Wu Zhihong once said:
"To live in the moment, it is important to break, not stand. We need to recognize our current desires, understand that they must have come from the past, and then try to let go of them. When you are able to let go, you can see the essence of what is happening, and then that insight will automatically tell you what you should do. ”
Yes, the wisdom of life lies in finding this balance: being able to recall and learn from the past, but not being bound by the past; You can plan for the future, but you won't be trapped by it; You can not only feel the beauty of the moment, but also face every moment calmly.
Ultimately, when we learn to live in the present moment and are no longer bound by the burdens of the past or the future, can we truly enjoy the peace and contentment of life.