To me living in the moment is documenting the day/event with photos and videos - of the people you are with, the things you did. But when you miss what is going on in that moment, like at concert or event, and filming every second, those moments have been lost. No amount of "shows" on your timeline will ever make up for that.
This piece made me think about it. I don't think many of us think of happiness in this way. This was really good and made me naturally think both are important. Working that week grind for my overall goals. But also appreciating moments on my time off.
To me, it's about not overthinking. If we're constantly trying to balance between the experiential and the act of remembering - like checking boxes - that's not truly living. I believe in the simplicity of being, doing what you feel, laughing at what went wrong and always moving forward. If we feel like remembering thorough photos, let's do that - whether it brings happiness or sadness. Let's shake hands with the past and smile at the future always.
'No one knows how to live your life better than you do.' I agree. It's so freeing to be able to do what I want, when I want, at my own pace, and not be answerable to anyone. I'm not 'behind'. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
It all comes down to balance in any philosophy or ideology. Feminism? Good intentions, but it was completely torn apart and restructured to make women work even harder. Tolerance? Lack of a proper justice system. Gentle parenting? A generation of spoiled and uncontrollable kids. Balance is so crucial; I couldn't agree with you more.
This made me think of how much better I remember the events when I don't have my iPhone to take pictures or videos. I'm able to recount the story better, with more details and inflection points.
I can’t agree with you more - be present, live in the moment, now and today, not tomorrow. Because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Because you never know when what you have… will become what you had. I’ve learned, in the hardest way possible, that everything can change in a second.
I like that you emphasize dichotomy of experiential happiness and memorable happiness, that balancing the two is important. Always good to understand ourselves through the two metrics!
Not me clicking on the first random article of yours and seeing my favourite book quoted (: also love the point about ‘being present’ used to justify instant gratification!
This really reframes what “living in the moment” means. I love the distinction between the experiencing self and the remembering self it explains so much about why some experiences feel fleeting even when they were joyful.
To me living in the moment is documenting the day/event with photos and videos - of the people you are with, the things you did. But when you miss what is going on in that moment, like at concert or event, and filming every second, those moments have been lost. No amount of "shows" on your timeline will ever make up for that.
Thanks for your comment.
I generally agree. I think the important thing is finding a good balance between the experiencing and the remembering self.
This piece made me think about it. I don't think many of us think of happiness in this way. This was really good and made me naturally think both are important. Working that week grind for my overall goals. But also appreciating moments on my time off.
Thank you!
Yes, my understanding of happiness has also changed over the years. Reading some books on the topic has definitely shifted my perspective over time.
To me, it's about not overthinking. If we're constantly trying to balance between the experiential and the act of remembering - like checking boxes - that's not truly living. I believe in the simplicity of being, doing what you feel, laughing at what went wrong and always moving forward. If we feel like remembering thorough photos, let's do that - whether it brings happiness or sadness. Let's shake hands with the past and smile at the future always.
What if you are learning videography. Is that living in the moment when you video an artist?
I agree with general concepts here. Thanks for sharing.
I think you would be really blessed in that sense, since this is one of the ways in which you can truly combine both types described in the article.
This actually makes me think about how smart it could be to find activities that incorporate both the remembering and the experiencing self.
I really enjoyed reading this piece what a brilliant write. It’s a quite contemplative message that you have here
Thanks a lot for your nice comment, Aaliya! :)
You are welcome ❤️🙏
'No one knows how to live your life better than you do.' I agree. It's so freeing to be able to do what I want, when I want, at my own pace, and not be answerable to anyone. I'm not 'behind'. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
P.S.--I love the images in your posts :-)
Thanks for your comment, Diana. That’s a really healthy way to look at it.
I am glad you like the images. :)
It all comes down to balance in any philosophy or ideology. Feminism? Good intentions, but it was completely torn apart and restructured to make women work even harder. Tolerance? Lack of a proper justice system. Gentle parenting? A generation of spoiled and uncontrollable kids. Balance is so crucial; I couldn't agree with you more.
Very true. Thanks, Maria!
https://open.substack.com/pub/emmagon/p/2020?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1ktiti
Hopefully to delight you a bit
This made me think of how much better I remember the events when I don't have my iPhone to take pictures or videos. I'm able to recount the story better, with more details and inflection points.
I guess this is where everybody is different. If this works for you, that’s obviously amazing and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks, Drew.
I can’t agree with you more - be present, live in the moment, now and today, not tomorrow. Because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Because you never know when what you have… will become what you had. I’ve learned, in the hardest way possible, that everything can change in a second.
Exactly, Kelly. I also try to consciously remind myself that not everything is certain.
Thanks for sharing.
I like that you emphasize dichotomy of experiential happiness and memorable happiness, that balancing the two is important. Always good to understand ourselves through the two metrics!
Not me clicking on the first random article of yours and seeing my favourite book quoted (: also love the point about ‘being present’ used to justify instant gratification!
This really reframes what “living in the moment” means. I love the distinction between the experiencing self and the remembering self it explains so much about why some experiences feel fleeting even when they were joyful.
Glad to hear that, Jessica! :)
You will love it, let me know what you think!