Cognisant Ignorance

To be in the moment, you simultaneously need to be cognisant and ignorant of time.

To be in the moment, you need to be aware of the situation, of the surroundings, of the sensations. You also need to be aware that the moment is fleeting so you can learn to appreciate it.

At the same time, if you are focused too much on the time, if you keep checking your watch uncontrollably, or keep glancing at the clock, well you clearly are not living in the moment. Your mind has taken you to some other time, and you are not appreciating what is right in front of you.

The best thing to do, therefore, is to practice being cognisant of what’s around you without looking at the time.

And the best way to do that? Get rid of your clock. Get rid of your watch. Get rid of your smartphone. Get rid of anything that tells the time. If necessary, set yourself an alarm or other reminder so that you aren’t constantly compelled to look for the time.

And just focus on being. That’s all you need to do.