Has it ever occurred to you that the only time you
ever have is the present moment?
We have all heard this said many times but probably few of us realize, even slightly, all that it implies. It means that you can only live in the present. It means that you can only act in the present. It means that you can only experience in the present. Above all, it means that the only thing you have to heal is the present thought. Get that right and the whole picture will change into one of harmony and joy.
When some students hear this statement they may think, “Oh yes, I know that. I have known it for years”; but the chances are that they have not yet understood it thoroughly. When they do, remarkable results will follow.
All that you can know is your present thought, and all that you can experience is the outer expression of all the thoughts and beliefs that you are holding at the present time. What you call the past can only be your memory of the past. The seeming consequences of past events, be they good or bad, are still but the expression of your present state of mind (including, of course, the subconscious). What are all the future things that you may be planning, or things that you may be dreading – all this is still but a present state of mind.
This is the real meaning of the traditional phrase, The Eternal Now. The only joy you can experience is the joy you experience now. A happy memory is a present joy. The only pain you can experience is the pain of the present moment. Sad memories are present pain. Get the present moment right. Realize peace, harmony, joy, good will, in the present moment. By dwelling upon these things and claiming them-and forgetting during the treatment, all other things-the past and future problems alike will take care of themselves.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good reports; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8.
From The Writings of Dr. Emmet Fox
