We’ve all heard the quote that “life is the journey, not the destination.” I’ve been thinking about this saying lately because I notice how often we a) focus on the future and b) rush around and multi-task. And in doing so we don’t live as richly as we could.

We can catch ourselves living in the future when we find ourselves thinking: “I’ll be happy when . . ., I’ll feel successful when . . , I can’t wait for the weekend, I can’t wait to fix-up my home, own a bigger home, have a certain amount of money in the bank, get married, have kids, retire” . . .etc., etc. It's great to be excited about what's next. But at times this can mean we’re negating the present for the future. And ironically the present is the future we’ve anticipated and dreamed about before.

There are many things I look forward to like speaking in front of bigger crowds, producing another meditation CD, writing a book, getting married, making a larger income, etc. and that’s great. But can I acknowledge and take-in what I have brought into my life so far? I realize, at some level, I expect to be fulfilled when my next goals are accomplished. That is the trick of the human mind. So if we’re not fully enjoying where we are now, what makes us think we’ll enjoy what we create.

So for the next month just notice how often you are looking to the next thing. And when you notice you are anticipating what’s next, (in the bigger scheme and even what’s next in your day) take your attention back to the present moment and task at hand. (An easy way to do this is to simply put your attention on your breath). Also, learn to lighten up and not take your 'to do' list or yourself so seriously.

So go ahead and enjoy the people that are in your life, enjoy the world around you and enjoy what you have! And know that while it is worthwhile to have a vision for our lives, to have dreams and to work toward them our true happiness can be found just below the surface of all our searching and seeking.