Chapter 1: The Importance of Now

The Stoic philosophers caution against placing excessive importance on the distant future at the expense of the present moment. The future remains uncertain and outside our immediate influence, while our true power lies in the here and now. It is within the present where we glean insights from the past and prepare for what lies ahead.

— Donald Robertson, The Philosophy of CBT

Often, we fail to recognize that many of our worries stem from misdirected attention. We tend to send our mental focus on misguided quests, attempting to alter the past or foresee the future. These unproductive pursuits consume our time, leaving the present moment neglected and underappreciated. Seneca reminds us that by prioritizing this error, we forfeit true happiness:

“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so, wants nothing.”

— On the Happy Life

By fixating on what has already happened or what may occur, we risk overlooking the beauty of the present. Could retraining our focus to the here and now be the key to alleviating our disturbances and truly appreciating our surroundings? Below are five Stoic strategies to reshape your perception of time, enabling you to learn from the past, plan for the future, and fully engage in the present.

Section 1.2: Living in the Present

“Keep this in mind, that each of us lives only this present and indivisible moment. Everything else has either already been lived or is uncertain.”

— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

The present moment is all we ever truly possess. Regardless of how far back we delve or how far ahead we gaze, we experience life in the now.

This video titled "8 Ways To Enter The Present Moment" explores practical techniques for cultivating mindfulness and enhancing your focus on the now.

Chapter 2: Navigating the Future

“Think about individuals; consider men in general; there is not one whose life is not focused on tomorrow. What harm is there in that, you ask? Infinite harm. They are not really living. They are about to live.”

— Seneca, Letters 45.12

While it's wise to plan for the future, remember that some challenges are best faced when they arise. Avoid overthinking or suffering unnecessarily in anticipation. Instead, prepare to the best of your ability, embrace the journey, and allow the outcomes to unfold naturally.