"الكثير من حياتنا يحدث في الرأس، في الذاكرة أو الخيال، في التخمين، في الإسقاط، في التجريد."

We spend a lot of our time lost in thought. Our minds constantly drift to memories of the past or worries about the future, rather than focusing on the present moment. This can mean we aren't fully living our lives right now. We're caught up in what was or what might be, instead of what is.

Let's put this in context. Think about how often you find yourself daydreaming or replaying an old conversation, maybe something you wish you'd said differently. Or perhaps you're planning out hypothetical scenarios for tomorrow. It's natural to do this – our brains are wired to reflect and anticipate. But when we do it too much, we miss out on what's happening right in front of us.

Take Tom, for example. He's a project manager who’s always thinking about his next deadline. He worries about potential issues that might crop up and replays past mistakes in his head. While he's busy making sure everything runs smoothly, he misses the spontaneous laughter of his kids at dinner or the simple joy of a morning coffee.

What if Tom took a different approach? Imagine he starts practicing mindfulness, dedicating a few minutes each day to being fully present. When his mind starts to wander to what-ifs or should-haves, he gently brings his focus back to the task at hand. Over time, he begins to notice the little details – the way the sunlight filters through his office window or the satisfaction of completing a small task well. He becomes more relaxed, more engaged, and, ultimately, more effective.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by recognizing when your thoughts drift. Are you ruminating about the past or fretting about the future? Gently guide your mind back to the present. You can do this through mindfulness exercises, like focusing on your breath or tuning into the sounds around you. It doesn’t have to be complicated – just a moment taken to ground yourself can make a big difference.

Let me tell you a quick story. Imagine you're at a concert, one of your favorite bands is playing. But instead of enjoying the music, you’re checking your phone, thinking about an email you need to send. Suddenly, the band starts to play your favorite song. You realize you’ve barely been present for the rest of the concert. So you put your phone away, close your eyes, and let the music wash over you. For the rest of the night, you're fully there, experiencing the energy of the crowd, the beat of the drums, the thrill of the guitar solo. When you leave, you feel alive, more connected to the world and yourself.

The bottom line is this: Life is happening now. If you spend too much time in your head, you miss it. Practice being present. Notice the details. Engage with the world around you. It’s not about shutting down your thoughts entirely – it's about not letting them take over. By grounding yourself in the present, you'll find more joy, more connection, and more meaning in your everyday experiences.