Comments on: Live for..Tomorrow?

By: chinga la migra

chinga la migra — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 03:20:18 +0000

When the Buddha states to live in the “present” wisely, he does not mean live in the present constantly, not thinking about the future or reflecting about the past. Psychologically, it is impossible to live only in the present moment. He means to live consistently in the present moment, not drifting away from it excessively, as most are prone to do. Mentally, it takes exceptional practice to live in the present moment, as it becomes a habit to think about the past or worry about the future (neuronal connections associated with anxiety are strengthened over time). One way to discipline the mind to keep in the present moment consistently — allowing for future planning as well as reflective insights — is by meditation, which shrinks the center of the brain associated with fear and anxiety (the amygdala). Even during meditation, if you get good at it, you can briefly reflect on the past or plan for the future with more clarity of mind. What the Buddha is preaching is the middle path.

By: missymiller

missymiller — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:15:19 +0000

Exactly!!
You said it so much better.

By: Angela Lackey

Angela Lackey — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:11:54 +0000

I think anyone with an eating disorder needs to think about tomorrow and the effects of her/his ED. We need to realize that what we do today can have long-term repercussions. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy today and each moment, though. Just being mindful of staying healthy for tomorrow is important.

By: Scott

Scott — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:47:31 +0000

you bring up a great point. I feel like I really need to work on this as well. I think it is SUPER important to have long term goals, but for me it is all too easy to get anxious about this, and just freeze because I don’t know what to do next. I will work on it though

By: Dorry

Dorry — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:47:40 +0000

I think you said it best with, “living in the moment prevents me from living “wisely and earnestly.” – so good for you for realizing that and doing what’s best for YOU to live the healthiest way possible. I try to live in the present, but I also have fun plans for the future. And I know I need to make the most of everyday in order to fulfill my dreams!

By: missymiller

missymiller — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:25:21 +0000

Yes, binging and purging is ALL abourt immediate gratification and living so incredibly in the moment (ironic because you go numb) that nothing else matters.
Starving is the same way…it’s just you are too tired to worry.

By: missymiller

missymiller — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:24:14 +0000

I know. I guess for me I don’t need to work on that too much … but I tend to really avoid thinking about serious things. Like saving for retirement. Instead I’ll pay $4 for a Kombucha….because that is what I want NOW and I’m barely living paycheck to paycheck. (0:

By: kris

kris — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:21:04 +0000

I like your new motto… and the idea of the sticky notes here and there. I think an ED makes it really easy to forget about ‘tomorrow’ whereas others out there seem to forget to live in the present (hence the barrage of sayings reminding people to enjoy the present). I think the only way that I was able to give up purging (several years ago now) was to think of the future and how great it was going to be — well, that and I slept a LOT. But, anyway, I love your outlook — to enjoy the present and use it to create a better tomorrow.

By: Serena (Green Beans & Jam)

Serena (Green Beans & Jam) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:59:45 +0000

Although I can see how living for tomorrow can help get you out of a rut… interesting…thing to ponder..

By: Serena (Green Beans & Jam)

Serena (Green Beans & Jam) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:58:46 +0000

Live for tomorrow is an interesting concept…but I also think a major thing should be living for Today. Living in the moment helps me, at least, appreciate each second for the beauty that it is!