Summary of We’re Mostly Trying to Escape This Moment:
This content explores the idea that humans have a tendency to try to escape from the present moment and discusses the various ways in which people engage in this behavior. It highlights the limitations and missed opportunities that come with avoiding discomfort and emphasizes the importance of practicing not escaping. The content provides suggestions for how to practice staying present, including minimizing phone and computer usage, staying with difficult tasks for longer periods of time, and abstaining from substances or behaviors used as escapes. It encourages self-care, seeking support from others, and seeking professional help if needed. The overall message is about embracing discomfort and fully living in the present moment.
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Summary:
– Most people spend their days trying to escape the present moment through various distractions and activities.
– When we constantly try to escape, we limit our growth and miss out on the beauty of life.
– The opportunity lies in practicing not escaping and staying present in uncomfortable moments.
– Ways to practice include reducing phone and computer use, staying with difficult tasks, and exploring our emotions without relying on substances or distractions.
– It’s important to be gentle with ourselves and seek support if necessary.
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We’re Mostly Trying to Escape This Moment
Do you ever find yourself constantly chasing after distractions and avoiding the present moment? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, trying to escape what is happening right now seems to be the primary occupation of the human animal.
Think about how you spend your days. Are you constantly engulfed in busywork, checking messages and emails, and completing small tasks? Do you often procrastinate on larger, more intimidating projects? Maybe you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, browsing the news, or visiting your favorite distraction websites. And let’s not forget about the endless hours spent watching videos on platforms like Youtube or Netflix. Playing games, eating comfort foods, and even using substances like alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine also serve as tools for escape.
There’s no judgment here; we all partake in these activities to some extent. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll notice a common denominator among them – they all serve as distractions, taking us away from the present moment.
But what’s the harm in constantly trying to escape? After all, it’s just a part of being human, right? While there’s nothing inherently wrong with seeking distractions, we inadvertently limit ourselves in the process. By constantly running away from uncomfortable moments or avoiding challenging tasks, we hinder our growth and miss out on the beauty of what is happening right now.
Avoiding discomfort and scary projects may feel like a solution in the moment, but over time, it trains us to be ill-prepared for future challenges. By developing a habit of escape, we diminish ourselves and our capacity to face difficult situations head-on.
The real opportunity lies in practicing not escaping. Instead of running away from discomfort, we can learn to stay in those uncomfortable moments just a little longer – not to the point of torture, but just beyond our comfort zone. By doing so, we expand our capacity to embrace all of life, even its challenging aspects. The more we stay present, the less life we miss out on. It’s truly a liberating experience to fully engage and live in every moment.
The question then becomes, how can we practice not escaping? While some people may find solace in activities like cold showers or rigorous exercise, we don’t necessarily have to seek out new endeavors to practice staying present. We can simply stop escaping from what is already happening around us.
One powerful way to start is by reducing phone usage throughout the day. For many, this will undoubtedly bring discomfort, but that’s okay. Sitting with this discomfort allows us to examine what we’ve been trying to avoid or escape from. Similarly, intentionally spending time away from our computers, not distracting ourselves but rather engaging in thought and observation, can be another effective practice. Taking the time to sit and reflect, or leisurely walking around our environments, opens our eyes to the wonders that surround us.
Another approach is to challenge ourselves to stay with a hard task or project for an extra ten minutes beyond what we initially want. Observing what arises internally when we push past our comfort zone provides valuable insights and self-awareness. If constantly checking emails and messages is a common habit, consider putting it off until later in the day. Take note of any emotions or thoughts that emerge as you resist the urge to escape.
For those who often rely on substances like caffeine or alcohol, try quitting for a month. Pay close attention to the feelings that surface during this period, and allow yourself to process them instead of masking them with your usual “treat.” Similarly, adopting a food-sober mindset for a couple of weeks, avoiding intoxicating foods, can unearth emotions and thoughts that are often numbed by comfort eating.
If you’re up for an advanced challenge, start paying attention to when you engage in complaining, playing the victim, directing your anger at others, or indulging in harsh self-criticism or fantasies. Notice the underlying emotions beneath these mental escapes and explore them with curiosity and self-compassion.
By cutting off our escapes, we open ourselves up to discovering the things we’ve been avoiding. Emotions, unresolved feelings, unprocessed thoughts – they all come to the surface. It’s crucial to approach this practice with gentleness and love, providing ourselves with ample self-care and seeking support from others. And if at any point it feels too overwhelming, it’s essential to reach out to a professional therapist for guidance.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to be tough on ourselves or forcefully confront our discomfort. It’s about finding a gentle way to practice opening up to more of life. So, where could you start? Embrace the opportunity to stay present and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of every moment. You may be surprised at the incredible experiences that await you once you stop trying to escape.
