Being in the NOW is a Waste of Time

OK…I hope the headline got your attention…now let me explain.

First, being in the Now not a complete waste of time, but it’s shouldn’t be your goal either.

I was watching CBS Sunday Morning this past Sunday and one of the stories was about one of the longest and most performed plays “Our Town.” I’ve never seen it and it looks like it’s a great play with lost of meaning and teachings.

In listening to the director of “Our Town” (for this news segment) he was describing a scene where one of the characters get’s to relive one day in her life (she passed away towards the end of play). She decided to visit her 12^th birthday and was able to observe everything…the big and the small. Of course part of the message is for us to be in the here and Now and appreciate all moments, right?

When Mo Rocca explained this to the director he said something that completely turned me around about this concept of being in the now.

He said (and I’m paraphrasing), that you can’t (and don’t want to) be in the Now all the time. By being in the Now you are an observer not a participant!

WOW!!! I was blown away. Watch this video for yourself (I’m trying to get the player below to work. In the mean time you can see the interview by going HERE

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This is a 180 shift from what all the guru’s, personal development and spiritual leaders are saying…and you know what? It makes sense!

If all we do is look to be in the Now then we’re not taking action, contributing or making a difference. Yes, we all deserve to passively sit back and just watch….there is serenity in this.

But to make our quest of life to “be in the Now” is a wasted life!

We are here for greater things then to simply observer. We’re here to make a difference in the world! And this takes mental strength, action and participation….not observation.

Personal success requires participation and action…helping people requires participation and action….not observation.

OK…yes at times is nice and rewarding to be in Now, but this should not be our primary goal. Our goal should be to create something spectacular and then be in the Now and observe the wonders of our creation.

OK…let me here from you in the comments below.