+1 #943: Past → Present → Future

Hi, this is Brian. Welcome back to another Optimize plus one. In our last plus one we talked about our past, present and future and briefly explored the idea that if we want to create a better future and enjoy life right now, we'd be wise to bring our best to this moment and the one after that. And yeah, today I want to invite an obscure 20th century philosopher and spiritual teacher to the party to hear his thoughts on the subject. Meet Omram Mikael Ivanhoff. We briefly met him before, but here's a little more on him. Alexandra got his little book called Golden Rules for Everyday Life after one of her favorite teachers referenced him and his work. I picked the book up to a random page one day. You should see all the books around our house. And was immediately struck by the lucidity of his words. I flipped to another page. Same effect. Then I proceeded to borrow the book for the next 24 hours as I thoroughly enjoyed a full immersion in some potent wisdom. Parenthetical aside, with an asterisk caveat that I ignored some of the more esoteric aspects of his teachings while soaking in the essence of his practical wisdom. Today we're going to focus on his thoughts on the past, present and future. Here's what he has to say. I are often anxious about the future and worry about possible accidents, illness or poverty. But why poison your life by thinking of all the bad things that might happen? We never know what the future holds, that's true, but the best way to avoid disasters you fear is to try to live sensibly in the present. The future will be what you have made it in the present. It is today that is important. Just as the present is a consequence, a result of the past, the future will be a projection of the present. Everything hangs together. Past, present and future cannot be separated. The future will be built on the foundations you lay today. And of course, if those foundations are faulty, it is no good hoping for a very bright future if they are solidly built. On the other hand, there will be no need to worry. With healthy roots you will get a strong trunk and healthy branches and fruit. He continues by saying I quote again, the past is past, but it has given birth to the present, and the present contains the roots of the future. This means that you must build your future in advance by improving the present. End quote. Amen. That's today's plus one. One more time. The past is past, but it has given birth to the present, and the present contains the roots of the future. This means that you must build your future in advance by improving the present. Here's to the power of now.