Popular advice nowadays is to “just be in the moment”, “seize the day”, “enjoy every minute” etc. It’s actually great advice but the part that’s often missing is how one can actually achieve this. Normally the mind flips back and forth from past to future, leaving us in a world where the present moment evades us.
Vipassana is a systematic method by which students apply the four foundations of mindfulness: Mindfulness of the body, mindfulness of feelings, mindfulness of the mind, and mindfulness of mind objects. In order to observe these four foundations more clearly, we temporarily give up our worldly comforts such as the ability to listen to music, read a good book, watch TV or chat with friends.
Although we have to temporarily give up the things we enjoy, what we gain can make those experiences of listening to music, reading a book, watching TV and chatting with friends that much more fruitful because we can be truly present with whatever arises.
It may take some effort, sacrifice and perseverance, but there is a way to “just be in the moment.”