At dVerse Frank is hosting the Haibun (prose + haiku) with an invitation to write about the present moment.
dVerse Poets – Haibun – The Present Moment
“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. But, if you are at peace, you are living in the present.” Lao Tzu
The Present Moment If I try to, I cannot reach back into all my yesterdays and reclaim them. And, even if I could, all that I would achieve is a reconstruction of days as perfect past moments. So I cannot reach back and hold any moment as it was. Besides I don't want to, the past is the past and best left as formative memory for better or worse. The future eludes me in smoke and mirrors, the pathway is unclear, no plan is foolproof. Besides, if I could see even just a little ahead I would be adjusting my approach towards the perfect experience. The most abiding feeling I have is of the fleeting present moment. That moment, the blinking of an eye, the moment between the inward and outward breath, which passes so quickly. These moments come and go and I have learned to treasure them before they slip into yesterday. But, to be in the present moment, I have to be present.
under the branches my inward and outward breath present moment held. ©Paul Vincent Cannon
parallax 
Words of wisdom my friend, nice job
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Jay – thank you so much for those kind words.
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You’re welcome
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and this weird thought emerged in my head-aren’t we always in the in-between? can we ever truly be in the present?
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Precisely the question, in a pure sense – no.
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Message to think!
I will not be able, to treat the past and future, as something to boycott!
Because,
Memories, sweet and sore, always help refreshing the page of my Mind!
And Dreams, give my Mind, energy and enthusiasm, for walking the path of Life!
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Yes indeed, one must take what comes but know it for what it is 🙂
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Agreed!😊
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🙂
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Your haibun is incredibly insightful …. powerful.
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Thank you Helen, I really appreciate that.
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Very thoughtful and insightful. I wonder how different the world would be if more people tried to be in the present moment at least some of the time? Or at least be aware we’re often stuck in between.
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absolutely, I too have that thought, and yes, it might lead to an awareness, thank you so much.
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Wise words, Paul. to be in the present moment, I have to be present– very well said.
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Yes, that taking time, a photographer knows this well, thank you Amy.
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Living in the moment – still trying. This helps, Paul 🙂
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there is nothing so perfect as being under the branches of a tree…. it’s home it’s everything… being born every moment without a yesterday…
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I love your thinking, resonates, thank you so much for that.
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Wise words to which we can all relate and reflect upon. Thank you 😊
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Ah yes, a mutual resonance – thank Astrid, good to have your voice in this.
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Thats really pure wisdom, Paul! Thank you also for remembering! Its too often to forget this, and the present is become the past, with a lot of lost chances. Michael
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Too true Michael, thank you so much.
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I particularly like the haiku because “under the branches” is how we can achieve the present moment.
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Good point, I like that thought very much, the place of attending.
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Beautifully written. I needed
to be reminded of this 🙏
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Now I’m Loving The Present Moment🌹This was a discussion yesterday with an online marketer. If all Americans be in the present moment, what would it look like at least for a moment😕 and it’s something to wonder. Lovely Piece🤠
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Thank you very much for that.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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🙂
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Always a pleasure to read and share your posts with followers, Paul!! Have a great day!
😊👍✨✨🎉
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Great reminder that our past does not define us, but has helped make us who we are “today.” Beautifully written. Blessings and honor, Christine C Sponsler
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Thank you so much Christine.
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Wow amazing poem – this could be used as a meditation, lectio, or contemplation
>
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I like your thinking.
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