“You can live in the here and now and be free of the past.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh
Simplified Meaning:
Living in the present moment means focusing on what's happening right now instead of dwelling on the past. Think about when you are having fun with friends or eating your favorite food — you are enjoying that moment without thinking about old mistakes or regrets. For example, if you broke a toy when you were younger, constantly feeling bad won't change anything. But if you concentrate on the good things happening today, like new toys or new friends, you will feel happier. Imagine if every time you rode a bike, you only thought about the times you fell off. You’d be scared and miss out on enjoying the ride. Instead, if you pay attention to how you balance and pedal, you’ll have a great time and feel free. So, living in the here and now means letting go of past pain and enjoying the present. By doing this, you give yourself a fresh start every day and can be happier.