“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
– George Orwell
Eric Arthur Blair aka George Orwell (his pen name) does something very few writers do: present a strong message of consequence with prose and wit.
It is so true that those that control the present also control the future. Look at the corporations and governments in power today. They are deeply rooted in the past.
Losing grip on the present means losing grip on the future, no matter how tight a grip you had on the past.
Having seen WWII first hand, Eric knew the devastating effects of control and power by displaying it in his writing, mixing fanaticism with dystopia.
Though this quote was most likely intended to display criticism, it can also be a motivational message: to live presently, in the only little piece of existence we can control.
And yet, even in the present we can be distracted by internal noises, opinions, over thinking, rumination, and perception bias.
It is our inner critic that is responsible for our mindlessness, “you’re not good enough” or “you need that to be happier” or “you’ve gotta look more like that person” or “you have to do more to be successful”.
These are thoughts embedded in a consumerist society, whose members are countless comparing themselves with each other.
They are also indeed thoughts embedded in a past self or unrealized future, one consumed with a “better” version of oneself: “I used to look much skinnier.” or “I have to work harder to make more money in the future.”
Let go of the need for anything other than what you already have and you create space to be everything you’ve always wanted.
The illusion of necessity is strong in a consumerist society; it tells us that in order to be truly happy we have to have something, someone, or be some place.
Beyond the basic necessities met, our happiness doesn’t exist in things. To quote Joshua Fields Milburn off the top of my head, “Love people and use things, because the opposite never works.”
Want happiness? It’s already here.
Want peace? It’s already inside.
Want joy? It’s already reflected.
Want success? It’s already achieved.
Want money, status, power, and possession? It’s not worth it.
Think about the things in your life that are in your control, and those that are out of your control. Reflect on that list.
For me it’s:
- My health – to workout each day, eat whole foods, sleep well, laugh with friends and family, etc.
- My perspective – to see the glass more than halfway full, see the goodness in humanity, lift others up, accept other’s differences, etc.
- My work – to pour into something I believe (like writing), be a team player, grind when possible, rest when necessary, etc.
- My inner child – to love and nourish him, praise and encourage him, affirm the goodness in him, etc.
- My inner peace – to pause each day, feel the present, reflect on the past, plan for the future, glimpse into eternity, etc.
In an effort to drastically improve this blog, and kick off a new era for the Mindfulness & website, I’ll be redesigning the site, adding podcast episodes for each post, meditations, reflection of the day, photo of the week, and much more.
Some Fancy Links: