We seem to constantly live in the future, always thinking about what’s next. We often let the anxiety and worry about tomorrow ruin our days.
It is difficult to live with uncertainty, so we do our best to drown out the world around us to find even a small portion of peace. But what if the peace we are looking for is actually found in the present?
The Latin phrase, carpe diem, essentially means “seize the day” in the modern context of the saying. It was first coined by the Roman poet Horace and later used by other poets including Robert Frost. It has become frequently used in popular culture, even to the point of being seen as cliché.
The phrase itself may not have been coined with the intentions of meaning what it does now, but words and phrases embody new meanings over time. In this case, carpe diem has been adopted into representing something that is relevant to this generation: being present.
Andrew Brand | Argonaut
I think the reason carpe diem has become so popular is because people are tired of the craziness of life and want to get back to the simplicity of being present. This phrase helps describe that. Carpe diem reminds us that every moment in life matters — the most significant parts of life aren’t the big achievements and promotions, but the little nameless acts of kindness and love.
Sometimes we would rather not be present because some things are unpleasant or boring, so we choose to zone everything out. Embracing the unpleasant moments allows for character development — we can’t run away from every problem. Embracing those boring moments allows for creativity and innovation to emerge.
To be present is to be fully alive. To embrace each moment for what it is, appreciating the beauty that surrounds us while acknowledging the more difficult aspects of life.
Being present might mean setting down the phone. It might mean taking out off the headphones and closing the laptop. It could look like a simple smile as you pass someone on the sidewalk, or
genuinely listening to the person conversing with you. Being present allows our spirits to breathe and connect — it brings freedom and joy to our lives.
The other day, I spent some time playing music with someone I just met. It was random. I had almost no idea who they were. But I knew they liked to play music too, so I decided to make the most of the opportunity.
I brought my guitar over and it turned out to be a wonderful time of spontaneous music. I could have let that opportunity pass and go on with life, but I chose to do something. I realized that I want to live today, I don’t want to wait for tomorrow. If I spend every day waiting for tomorrow it will never come. But today is always here, every moment, waiting for us to seize the day.
If we spent every moment of every day being fully present, we might find that life is actually beautiful and amazing, despite the hardships and difficulties that sometimes fill it.
You are alive right now, here at this moment. This is your life. Be alive. Be present.
Andrew Brand can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @theandrewbrand