Living in the Present: The Key to Inner Peace

Much of a person’s pain stems from regret over the past or worry about the future. But by living in the present, he can spare himself a great deal of unnecessary suffering.

A rabbi once asked his student, “Where were you today?”
“In the study hall,” the student replied.
“I didn’t ask where your body was,” the rabbi said. “I asked where your mind was."

In our prayers we say, “He renews, in His goodness, each day constantly, the act of creation.” Every moment is a new moment in the universe- just like the very first moment of creation, something from nothing. The Creator renews the world at every instant and each moment is a fresh act of creation, as if a power station were constantly re-energizing a light bulb in your home.

Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, in Ruach Chaim, writes: “Who is rich? One who rejoices in his portion.” It is common that someone who has been poor and suddenly finds great wealth is overwhelmed with joy and genuinely grateful and full of praise to G-d. As time goes on, that joy fades, the initial gratitude is forgotten, and the person begins to crave more wealth. No matter how much they have, it never feels like enough.

The truly wise person is one who constantly remembers that both he and his wealth are entirely in the hands of G-d, and that at any moment, it could all be taken away. With that mindset, the joy of what he has is renewed every single moment, as if he just received it.

The words “Who is rich? One who rejoices in his portion" is therefore phrased in the present tense- he is constantly happy with what he has.

This same idea applies to spirituality. Sometimes a person falls into sadness or despair because they haven’t yet reached their goals. Hoewever, they must remember the teaching of our sages: “It is not upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” It's important to aim high, but you must also remember to rejoice in what you have achieved along the way.

True material and spiritual wealth is found in the heart of a person who knows how to live each moment with gratitude.