Read time: 2.5 min.

May 5th, 2020.

The world had come to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I was sitting in the garden, reading in the rocking chair.

The sun was shining, and there was a gentle breeze.

I looked up at the trees that were swaying back and forth.

A breath of contentment escaped my mouth.

"I'm in love with life," I said.

Satisfied, I turned the page.

Most people felt depressed, empty, and lonely due to the lockdown.

But not me.

I was the happiest I'd ever been.

Coincidence?

I don't think so.

The book I read in the rocking chair changed my life.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart introduced me to spirituality.

In his book, he pointed out common mistakes people make:

• they cling to the past, chase the future, and forget the now

• they suffer because they identify with their thoughts

• they spend more time thinking instead of living

I found myself guilty of these mistakes.

I'm sitting at the dinner table with my girlfriend, but I'm not there in spirit.

She notices me staring into the distance.

I'm chewing on a work problem or caught up in this week's to-do list.

She snaps her fingers and zaps me back into reality.

''If you’re not present, are you really alive?,'' I thought.

I believed Eckhart's theory to be true and took it to heart.

I started meditating, analyzing the ego, and training my awareness.

The quality of my life changed dramatically.

• I felt more energized, peaceful, and happy

• My relationships flourished

• Every day felt like a gift

It doesn’t matter which new principle, discipline, or habit I’m learning.

I always return to spirituality.

Striving, achieving, and becoming better is awesome.

But nothing beats enjoying life in the present moment.

Final words

Your analytical mind always believes there’s a better moment in the future.

One that’s actually worth your time.

If you pursue this, you end up living in an unpleasant fantasy.

Chasing imaginary moments that will never come.

Eventually, you get the lesson you never quite arrive.

Wake up.

The good old days you'll talk about are happening right now.

P.S. If you’re overwhelmed by stress and want more happiness and fulfillment in your life, consider my coaching offer.

Reply to this email with ‘‘present moment’’ and I’ll send you the details.

Much love,

— Martijn