But how can living in the present truly erase the fear of the past or the anxiety of the future? That’s the question I asked myself — until I experienced it first-hand. What I learned was simple, yet life-changing.
The Monk, the Message, and My Mind
My family once suggested I attend a preaching session by a well-known monk named Gopalji. I went, but to be honest, most of it went over my head. I sat there, a little lost — until he began speaking about fear and anxiety. In that moment, something clicked. It felt like he was describing exactly what I was going through.
My Struggle with Fear and Anxiety
The struggle with fear and anxiety was overwhelming. It did not let me think anything positive or feel happy in the present moment. I couldn’t speak to others with mindfulness or confidence, whether it was colleagues at work or customers. I was not even able to enjoy conversations because deep down, I wasn’t at peace with myself.
At the office, the fear of what my manager might say about the previous day’s incomplete work haunted me. Even before entering the office, anxiety would kick in — worrying that I hadn’t done enough. This fear would paralyse me and stop me from doing that day’s tasks properly… which naturally affected the next day too. It felt like I was trapped in a loop.
A Break I Did not Know I Needed
I sat down with my family one evening and opened up. I told them I needed a break from work — that I couldn’t focus anymore, and my mind just felt blocked. They listened, supported me, and suggested that I attend a preaching session by a well-known monk in our town.
So I took a few days off and, a week later, found myself at the monk’s class. Honestly, I went with a half mind. I was still filled with fear and anxiety — unsure what the session would be like, or if it would help at all.
From Chaos to Calm: My First Step to Healing
The final day arrived. I showed up with fear and anxiety clouding my mind — worried about meeting new people and what kind of questions they might ask. I entered the class half-heartedly, unsure of what to expect.
The monk began his session, and at first, I couldn’t grasp much. But then, he started sharing powerful quotes through short stories. I picked up a few lines here and there. And then — he began speaking about fear and anxiety.
That’s when something shifted inside me.
Suddenly, I was alert. I leaned in, eager to hear what he had to say — because it felt like he was talking about me. I’ve always lived with fear and anxiety, and somehow, his calm tone and deep message quieted the noise in my mind. For the first time, I listened with full attention.
In most sessions I’ve attended, I always feared the Q&A, worried about not knowing the answers. But this class was different. There were no stressful questions. No pressure — just peaceful learning.. And that calm environment helped me actually listen, absorb, and feel a sense of relief I hadn’t felt in a long time.
A Simple Story, A Powerful Truth
The monk shared a short story.
He said, “One of my disciples came to me and asked, ‘How do I overcome fear and anxiety? I’m always thinking about what already happened and worrying about what might happen tomorrow.’”
Then the monk gently smiled and said,
“The answer is already in your question. Why are you thinking about something that’s already over? And why are you worrying about something that hasn’t even come yet? That’s where your fear and anxiety come from — not from life, but from the mind.”
He continued,
“You must train yourself to stay in the present. Be conscious of what you are doing right now. Only in the present moment can you truly live in peace.”
That simple story stayed with me. For the first time, I understood that I was creating my own suffering by mentally living in the past and future — instead of this very moment.
Then the monk said a line that hit me like lightning: “Your past gives you fear, your future gives you anxiety — but if you are in the present, you can truly live.”
I had never heard anything so simple, yet so true. That one sentence made everything click.
I realized I was constantly replaying old failures in my mind, and at the same time, overthinking about what might go wrong tomorrow. But what about now?
That’s when I decided — even if I couldn’t change my past or control the future, I could at least try to be present. And maybe that would be enough to bring peace.
The Present Is a Gift
Later in the class, they taught mindfulness, breathing techniques, and meditation. These became powerful tools for me. Slowly, I started feeling a shift — I began to understand my fear and anxiety better.
I realized that fear comes from the past — from things that are already over, things we can’t go back and change.
And anxiety comes from the future — things we imagine might happen, but often never do.
The only place we can actually live is the present moment.
By staying present, by focusing on my breath, by meditating even for a few minutes, and by practicing gratitude — I started to feel more joyful, more mindful, and more at peace.
Now, I talk to people openly. I feel lighter and happier at work. I’m no longer stuck in my own mind. I’m present — and that alone is a gift.
Try this:
Whenever you catch yourself lost in past regrets or future worries, pause — even for just a few seconds — and come back to your breath.
You don’t need to sit for 30 minutes straight.
Just practice throughout the day, especially when your mind starts drifting.
At first, it may feel difficult. But slowly, with daily practice, it becomes easier. And one day, you’ll notice…
you’re finally living in the moment.
If this touched your heart, leave a comment or share it with someone who needs a little peace today.
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