These 7 live in the moment quotes have found their way to me through yoga philosophy writings. But being present is not meant just for the yogis or those who love positive psychology.
As Buddhism and Yoga teacher and author, Michael Stone, put it: “The only place behind an investigation of yoga-or anything for that matter-is the present moment.” Truly, the only place where we can truly start anything in life is the present moment. Be it yoga or something entirely different.
Grounding live in the moment quotes
“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.”
Lao Tzu
This quote is the perfect starting point for my blog, as it beautifully captures how our struggles shape our emotions. I’ve often found myself drawn to melancholy; reflecting on certain experiences can bring a wave of sadness.
Yet, I also know anxiety all too well. That’s why I’ve discovered the transformative power of philosophy and positive psychology. These texts ground me and remind me of ideas that keep me rooted in the now.
The essence of this quote is clear. The only true moment we can embrace is now. By focusing on our present surroundings, there is no space for reminiscing or thinking up unhelpful scenarios.
“In pursuing the horizon, all we ever find is more horizon.”
Simon Haas
In the Book of Dharma, Simon Haas shares that too often humans spend most of their life putting their life off. We constantly work towards happiness, which we may expect to come in the form of a graduation, career or family.
But when we realize that the dreams we lived for before haven’t brought us the expected satisfaction, we set new goalposts and place our happiness there. Unfortunately, this means we may miss that the time to be happy is now. Could you stop chasing the horizon and have a look around?
As the below quote reminds you, your life is unfolding whether you experience it or live in your head.
“Present moment is always occurring, whether you are there for it or not.”
Michael Stone
Live in the moment quotes to clam anxiety
“The future is inevitable and precise, but it may not occur. God lurks in the gaps.”
Corgi Luis Borges
As I mentioned above, anxiety is something I deal with. I recently took a personality test that confirmed on a scale from 0-100%, I have 80% Turbulent personality trait. My biggest challenge? Overthinking.
I think this quote is a perfect mantra when I get too carried away. There’s no guarantee that things will unfold in any particular way. We truly don’t know what will happen until it happens, making all that speculation completely redundant.
While things can take a turn for the worse, they can also improve. We can hope for the latter, but we can’t find certainty.
“We insist on being prepared, yet come always to face the fat that nothing is more invisible than the next moment.”
Michael Stone
Above is another quote that truly resonates with me when it comes to anxiety. It is the same message as above but dressed up in different words. I wanted to share it as one of them may speak to you more than the other.
Live in the moment quotes for happiness
“There is one thing we ca do, and the happiest people are those who can do it to the limit of their ability. We can be completely present. We can all be here. We can give… our attention to the opportunity before us.”
Mark Van Doren
I actually read this quote in a book called Getting Things Done. I was surprised how much a productivity book has in common with yoga philosophy. Yes, it’s the essence of yoga: being here, being present.
The present moment is also the only place where we can experience life be it working, doing yoga or spending time with the family. Experience all as you go. As Michael Stone reminds us, “It’s our life. Let’s not miss it.”
“Don’t squander joy. We can’t prepare for tragedy and loss.”
Brené Brown
This quote is from a book Daring Grately, which truly was filled with many great aha moments for me. But this quote? It is so familiar. Were you ever told as a child not to laugh because it would lead to crying? And then it happened. We’re often conditioned to believe that happiness invites misfortune.
In reality, it may or may not. When you find a moment of joy, embrace it fully—savor it, feel it, smell it, touch it. Experience it completely. When sadness arrives, allow yourself to feel it deeply. But in those happy moments, strive to be as joyful as you can without dwelling on the possibility of impending tragedy. Worrying about what might happen is a waste of headspace and as the above quote states—your thought-up scenario is likely to never occur.
I hope these quotes inspire you to find a live-in-the-moment quote that keeps you grounded and enjoying the present moment. Do you think something else deserves to be on the list?