Be Here Now

In today's blog, I want to ruminate again on selecting words and/or phrases which, by repetition, can effect a change in your life. Three of the most important words you can use, and apply, are, "Be Here Now."

"Be Here Now," was introduced into the Western World by Fritz Perls. Frederick Perls and his wife, Lore, founded Gestalt Therapy in this country. He was trained as a psychiatrist, and later became a psychologist. The difference between the two has to do primarily with theory as to human behavior, as well as training.

The focus of Perl's Gestalt Therapy was primarily on an individual's process, over content, or what the person is saying. His methodology incorporated group therapy. This form of therapy focuses on what the individual is doing with his/her physical self, and discovering what they are thinking and feeling in the moment. As humans are social beings, the individual's process in a group setting is important. "Be Here Now!" is a distillation of the Gestalt therapeutic process, as well as a state to be achieved.

Continuously living and being in the present is achieved by relatively few people; many are able to be, "in the present" for short periods of time, while occupied in doing something. It can be obtained during meditation practice by some.

In Gestalt groups, individuals may be given certain exercises in which to practice being in the present. I have had Gestalt Therapy training, and, in my opinion, it is one of the few, potentially, effective therapeutic methods in existence. Like every other therapy, the selection of the practitioner is all important.

Where are you? Here?; When is it? Now?

While it may be hard to believe, the only thing that exists, in actuality, is NOW. "Now" is the only place changes can be made. Becoming aware of yourself, right now, is essential if you want to change your life.

Most people, in their thoughts, much of the time, are either in the past, (memories/events/regrets/blaming, etc.) or in the future, (planning, contemplating "what ifs," worrying, plotting, vengeful thoughts, etc., etc.) The exceptions are times when the person is focused on what they are trying to accomplish, whether it is work, hobbies, making preparations for something, or some other activity in the present.

What individuals in this society are Programmed and encouraged to not be, is conscious of what they are doing, and thinking, and feeling in the moment. Free time, which might be used for thought and contemplation, is very rare. If you are married, have children, have many friends, are involved in a relationship, sports activities, group activities, etc., etc., any time to even be alone is scarce.

For any, "free time" you may have, there is no end of mindless activity made available, to keep you from being alone, and in the present, with yourself; the television set being the primary example. With the advent of the Electronic Age, (it hardly needs to be pointed out that) it is currently common to see people talking on cell phones, while doing other things, or working some form of device, whether playing games, twittering, etc., etc.

Meditation, currently, is the primary way available to practice being totally in the present, and not physically active. (There are some misinformed individuals who believe that the act of meditation is, "to think.")

One can also practice being in the present, by being in a room alone, sitting, and just watching your thoughts go by. In this country, the closest most people come to any, "quite time" is when they go to Church.

If you wish to begin this way, firstly, after becoming settled, focus inward, and become aware of what your mind is doing. Being aware that, "thoughts are things," and learning just what your thoughts are, is a big step. If you wish to practice this on a regular basis, it is best to set a particular time aside to do it, making it a habit is the best way of maintaining it.

While, "focusing inward," is a totally foreign concept for many people, these days, it is absolutely necessary in order to become acquainted with yourself.

As I have written in prior blogs, your thoughts are creating your reality; if you discover your mind is primarily running over past events, or worrying about future events, learning to stop those thoughts, even for a short time is major progress.

People who believe they are actively engaged in, "thinking," also need to examine what they are thinking about. Most "thinking," as I have written before, is simply rearranging your Belief System. Examining what you are thinking, and determining the source/underpinning of those thoughts are steps in learning just what your Belief System contains.

In Gestalt Therapy, one is encouraged to, "pull oneself up short," when becoming aware of the mind's process, by saying to yourself, "Be Here Now!," and trying to remain focused on the now--what you are seeing, hearing, experiencing, feeling, etc.

Repeat as necessary.

I leave this topic for now.

Shirley Gallup