You are on a beach viewing an amazing sunset, your loved ones around you, and the sound of waves gently caressing the sand.
Who can't stay in that moment?
But what if you are at the office, the boss is discussing your report, the kids need to be picked up, and six things on your to-do list are screaming to get done?
Some say: Stay in the moment. What is really happening is that the boss is discussing your report. According to the Japanese idea of ichigo ichie (in this moment, an opportunity), the moment is unique and should be savored.
In 10 minutes when you turn your cellphone back on, the kids may text you that they found a ride.
Or, maybe in 15 minutes, you find the car has a flat tire.
Whatever is to come is unknown, what has been is useless.
Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles, authors of The Book of Ichigo Ichie: The Art of Making the Most of Every Moment, the Japanese Way, write that instead of letting your mind wander to the future, just sit and see what happens in the present. Embrace the moment and savor it.
Focus and avoid distraction.
Free yourself from everything that isn't essential. After all, in an hour, your to-do list may seem irrelevant.
The practice of ichigo ichie can be a worldview you apply to your life every day.
Try accepting, or even celebrating imperfections. Look at failures as a sign that you should take a different path. When you face your own imperfections, strive to polish up your act.
Don't kill the moment by waiting for things to happen or making predictions of what will happen. Don't put off happiness because the present moment is the only one you actually have.
Be a friend to yourself. Don't compare yourself to others or worry about what other people think.
You are as unique as each moment.
