Yesterday I finally understood for real what the clichés like "seize the moment" really mean. The past is already gone and is only recreated in our minds when we decide to think about it, and the future is only an idea or a thought we have of how things might turn out in the future. By other words, there's no good reason to dwell the past or to worry too much about the future. The only thing we have is really a series of moments called "right now".
It is how you relate to the present that will determine if you can find inner piece and happiness or not. Happiness based on shopping, beauty, success etc, will make you satisfied temporarily, but it wont last. If you find a happy place in the present moment, no matter what you do, then you don't base you happiness on outer circumstances anymore. You do what is demanded of you in that very moment. Weather it is doing the dishes, listening to a friend talking or you holding a speech at a UN meeting.
It is how you relate to the present that will determine if you can find inner piece and happiness or not. Happiness based on shopping, beauty, success etc, will make you satisfied temporarily, but it wont last. If you find a happy place in the present moment, no matter what you do, then you don't base you happiness on outer circumstances anymore. You do what is demanded of you in that very moment. Weather it is doing the dishes, listening to a friend talking or you holding a speech at a UN meeting.