“The Hidden Garden of Now” — Presence as the sacred home

The Hidden Garden of Now: Presence as the Sacred Home

In a world that seems to celebrate perpetual motion and the relentless chase for more, there lies a hidden sanctuary available to us all: the present moment. The concept of the present as a sacred space is not new, yet its profound simplicity is often overlooked in our complex lives. Let’s take a journey into the hidden garden of now, exploring how presence can become our true home and sanctuary in a chaotic world.

The Power of Now

Eckhart Tolle, in his influential work The Power of Now, writes:

“The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.”

This powerful message draws attention to the fact that the present is all we ever truly possess. While our minds wander into the murky past or dart into the uncertain future, the present remains an often-untapped wellspring of peace, joy, and connection to the divine.

Cultivating the Garden

To experience the present moment fully is akin to tending a hidden garden, where every seed of consciousness we plant blooms into a blossom of true awareness. Some ways to cultivate this garden include:

• Mindful Breathing: Engage in conscious breathing exercises. Simply observing one’s breath can anchor awareness in the moment.
• Solitary Reflection: Set aside time each day to sit quietly, allowing the clutter of thoughts to settle like dust.
• Nature Immersion: Spend time in nature, which naturally facilitates a presence by attuning us to the rhythms of the world around us.
• Gratitude Practice: Incorporate gratitude into daily routines, acknowledging the abundance found in the present.

Obstacles to Presence

The greatest obstacles to dwelling in the garden of now are often internal: the clamor of a restless mind and the tug of unchecked emotions. Identifying and overcoming these hurdles requires patience and practice.

• The Monkey Mind: The ceaseless chatter of the mind can disrupt our ability to settle into the present. To quiet this inner dialogue, meditation and mindful practices are essential tools.
• Emotional Turbulence: Emotions arise like storms, pushing us out of presence. Acknowledging and observing these emotions without judgment allows them to pass without dragging us away from now.
• Overstimulation: The digital age bombards us with information, pulling attention in myriad directions. Intentional periods of digital detox can help restore focus.

The Sacredness of Presence

Embracing presence as a sacred home is a journey of reclaiming our true nature. Thich Nhat Hanh, a revered Buddhist monk, emphasizes:

“The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.”

In this sacred state, life unfolds with a vibrancy and clarity often obscured by distractions. Relationships deepen, creativity flourishes, and every moment is imbued with meaning.

The Journey Home

The voyage to the sacred home of now is not a grand expedition but a series of small, conscious steps. Here are some mindfulness practices to guide this journey:

• Body Awareness: Routinely scan your body from head to toe, bringing awareness to physical sensations.
• Sensory Engagement: Savor the details—the taste of food, the sound of the wind, the subtle colors in a sunset.
• Consistent Practice: Establish a daily ritual that aligns with presence, whether it’s meditation, yoga, or simply silence.

Conclusion

The hidden garden of now offers a sanctuary of peace and connection within us all. By choosing presence, we step away from the chaos and embrace the sacredness of life in its purest form. As author Jon Kabat-Zinn reminds us:

“Wherever you go, there you are.”

Our life’s journey is less about finding new landscapes and more about finding the way back home—to the present moment, the true sacred home.

In making the conscious decision to reside in this hidden garden, we discover a wellspring of peace and profound commentary on the essence of existence. Are you ready to step into your sacred sanctuary?