"الأبد هو مجموعة من الآنيات"

The idea here is simple yet profound: the concept of "forever" isn't this distant, unreachable thing. Instead, it's made up of every single moment we experience right now. Think about it—each passing second is part of your "forever." So, the essence of eternity is really the accumulation of all these present moments.

This saying comes from Emily Dickinson, a 19th-century American poet known for her unique and introspective style. She often grappled with themes of time, immortality, and the human experience. In her time, life was more uncertain and shorter, so reflecting on the nature of time was a way to grasp the fleetingness of existence. Dickinson's poetry often captures these fleeting moments and the idea of living fully in the present because that's all you truly have.

Now, let’s bring this idea down to earth with a real-life example. Picture an artist working on a massive mural. If they focus only on the end goal, the final piece, they might feel overwhelmed. But if they immerse themselves in each brushstroke, appreciating the colors and the act of painting at that moment, the mural gradually comes to life. Each brushstroke is a "now," and together, they build the "forever" of the completed artwork.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by being present. Seriously, put down your phone, look around, and engage with the moment you’re in. Whether you're having dinner with family, working on a project, or just taking a walk—be there completely. Don’t let your mind wander off to what’s next on your to-do list or what happened yesterday. Focus on now.

A practical tip: try mindfulness exercises. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Just take a few minutes every day to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and pay attention to your senses. What do you hear? What do you feel? This simple practice can ground you in the present, making each "now" more meaningful.

Imagine this scenario: You’re at a concert of your favorite band. You could spend the whole time recording it on your phone, worrying if you'll get the perfect shot to post on Instagram. Or, you could just let go—feel the music, dance, and enjoy the moment. When you look back, you won’t remember the Instagram likes; you’ll remember the joy of that live experience, the energy of the crowd, and how the music felt in your bones.

In essence, don’t get lost in the idea of "forever" as some far-off, abstract concept. Recognize that "forever" is happening right now, in each moment you live. Make the most of these moments, and over time, you'll see that your "forever" is composed of a series of beautiful, meaningful "nows."

So next time you catch yourself drifting away from the present, remind yourself of Dickinson's wisdom. Take a deep breath, look around, and dive into the "now." After all, it’s all we truly have.