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10% Happier with Dan Harris
How to Actually Be Present | Matthew Brensilver
Dec 29, 2023
Matthew Brensilver, teaches retreats at various Buddhist centers, discusses being present in the moment, handling memories during meditation, the brain's prediction tendencies, the benefits of retreats, and the tragedy of deferring happiness.
01:05:44
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Quick takeaways
- Being present in the moment is crucial for psychological well-being, as it allows us to heal our past, complete unfinished business, and develop a compassionate relationship with ourselves.
- To truly be present, we must surrender the need for constant prediction and control of the future, opening ourselves up to the uncertainty and vulnerability of the present moment.
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The Importance of Being Present in Psychological Well-Being
Being present in the moment is often described as a vaunted state, but practical information on achieving it is limited. Matthew Brensilver, a meditation teacher, argues that being in the now is crucial for psychological well-being. By surrendering the need for constant vigilance and prediction of the future, we can experience a radical openness and vulnerability in the present moment. This involves accepting the fullness of our past, including memories and undigested emotions, as well as releasing the grip of future-oriented thinking. This process allows us to heal our past, complete unfinished business, and develop a more compassionate relationship with ourselves. It also prompts us to differentiate between false alarms and true threats, and cultivate an open-hearted attitude towards our inner experiences.
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