Lately I’ve been having a lot of fun with the graphic design side of this blog feature, coming up with fun text treatments for all my favorite travel quotes. But when I flipped through my notebook and rediscovered this one I knew it demanded a simple presentation, for the idea itself is so complex.
Obviously this travel quote could have any number of different interpretations. To me, it means we need to stop dreaming of unachievable fantasies or enviously vying for more, more, more, and instead feel grateful for what we have and where we are in the present moment. And never do I live more in the present moment than when I travel, when I am disconnected from the day to day routine and the artificial anxieties of life at home. I am trying ever day to take that sensation, of being present and embracing every moment, and apply to my life no matter where I am or what I am doing.
What does this quote mean to you?
beautiful and wise
This quote resonates with Zen Buddhism. The belief is that many people either reminisce (or dwell) about the past, or they constantly plan for the future. There is no “oneness” with the present, which is a big mistake and a cause for our suffering. To experience true happiness, we must direct full attention to our present situation. We must appreciate the wonderful people we have around us now, and the amazing world that surrounds us.
Your quote is very, very cool.
I have long been interested in learning more about Buddhism- thanks for this insight!
Several months ago, shortly after Will’s death, I had to arrive at this conclusion to preserve my own sanity – to be able to live my life on a day to day basis. I’m at peace with myself. Gram E
That major event in our family taught me a lot of things, one of them to live life to the fullest every day, and also to let the people you love know it because you don’t know when your last chance to say it will be. I’m glad you’ve found a way to be at peace. I love you!
So many people live for “someday” or refuse to let go of the past missing the point that the present is the only place we actually live. Everything else is in our mind and often, such is human nature, it is self torture.
It absolutely is human nature. When will we evolve? π Until then, I’m going to keep thinking about your wise statement, “the present is the only place we actually live.”
For myself, the quote means to not dwell on what I do not have, but to embrace all that is given to me.
We’ll never be able to walk on water, but we have the fortune to walk on land and that fortune could be taken away from us at any moment. Value the opportunities you have and don’t worry about what you do not.
Beautiful interpretation! Anyone who chooses a life of travel has obviously been given many gifts, one of them a sense of adventure. Its always important to be grateful for that.
To me this means that we need to be thankful for where we are and who we are at this moment in time — to take it all in and appreciate it. That greatness isn’t about always trying to “one up” the next guy and do something so spectacular that the world takes notice but to do something in the here and now that’s meaningful to you. Also Alex, I think the text in the graphic should say “deeply.”
Yikes, thanks for catching that typo Diane! I’m going to go back and fix it ASAP. So hard to edit for yourself sometimes.
I would add to ‘ live to the fullest in moment’ philosy one line….and do something, Connect with the community you’re in, be witness for other people to the meaning their own lives.
I always loved that about your parenting philosophy… I remember you once saying to me in high school that there were three things you wanted from your children…. Good academics, an outside passion (music, sports, literature, etc.) and a sense of philanthropy or general community. I think many people miss out on that last one when in reality it is the most important!