be here now.
three simple words yet they hold such vast meaning the more you contemplate on them.
be here now.
i originally had no plans to write this but i was struck by inspiration while sharing this Instagram post made by an awesome artist. no disrespect to the great Baba Ram Dass, but to me “be here now” was just a quipy phrase that sounded pleasant. however, upon viewing the art, the deeper meaning suddenly clicked. the mantra is blunt and direct- just three words, nine letters- yet i believe that these carry tremendous wisdom to living a more authentic and spiritual life. i don’t say that lightly. i tend to avoid labeling things as “spiritual” or “not spiritual” because i’m not a fan of nominal duality. basically, spirituality pervades everything, even the smallest and most menial task. language fails me here, but if i ever find a truer way to express this then i’ll gladly share.
Be
be is the imperative of the sentence. again, it cuts right to the core. to be is to exist. to exist is to form an inseparable part of reality (and non-reality), no different than any galaxy, star, rock, flame, ocean, tree, nebula, planet, leaf, creature, everything. the cosmos as we know it is endless, and our presence in it means that we are eternally part of it- we are it. to be, even in mere consciousness, precedes everything. it is the most original state, and the eternal one.
be. exist. realize your universal nature and live out your unity with the whole.
Here
where is here? the chair you’re sitting on? planet earth? the universe? reality as we know it? all of the above. exist wherever you find yourself and not in some imaginary scenario in your head. this word is a grounding reminder to not be anywhere else except right where you are.
there are times where i wish i could lay on the moon, or float in the clouds, but i can’t. and here’s the thing: i don’t need to, either. paradoxically, our spirit is endless, and it pervades every nook in the universe. it’s everywhere all at once, including on the moon and in the clouds. you’re already there, but you’re here too.
Now
in this instant in time. not in some forgotten past or distant future. the present moment is all that we have. in every nanosecond a version of us dies but simultaneously a new one is born. we’re like a flame- constantly shifting at every second with a constant essence, yet it is also impossible to pinpoint a singular essence since it vanishes at every moment. right now is all you have and all there is.
Thank you for reading,
Alan
Additional Resources
Be Here Now the book by Baba Ram Dass.
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