Essay 2 Invention (Essay Sample)

Brittany Ebert Professor Kirk ENGL-1A-4605 September 21,2019 Focus on the Current Moment I believe that the image means that human beings are expected to focus on the present moment (current) and forgo the past (last) as well as the future (next). Although the three elements are related, the image puts emphasis on the current stage as it where we are. Besides, the emphasis to focus on the current is critical in enhancing human living. The past is already gone and therefore focusing on it is only a waste of time. Besides, the future is yet to come. Worrying about it does not change anything. I hold that one should endeavor to live the present moment. It is common knowledge that when the present moment is carefully planned and executed, it is likely to result in a better tomorrow. However, focusing on either the last or the next would consume time for the present moment, thus, negatively impacting on the future. I agree with the image message that one should be mindful of the present moment. You must all have heard it before that it is important to live and focus in the present moment than to let your mind wander in the past or the future. Although the phrase may seem simple and clear, it may not be as easy as one would tend to assume especially in the twenty-first century. Given the numerous life hurdles, it is a common scenario to find adults thinking more about the future than the present. Life is full of surprises and therefore, humanity sits in anticipation and preparation for something. Moreover, the past influences the present and cannot be ignored easily. However, children with little to worry about and less experiences of the past find it easy to focus in the current moment compared to adults. The paper will explore the concept that as human beings become more conscious of time, through the natural development phases, they tend to have more trouble focusing on the current. Due to the hectic and fast pace of the schedule that human beings encounter as they age, the levels of anxiety, unhappiness, and stress are bound to go up. One may not even realize that they are living the past or the future. However, the tendency sucks them out of the current moment into the past or the future, thus, making them tired and extremely out of touch with the reality in their surrounding environment. Majority console themselves with the common phrase that commitment and conscious awareness of their responsibility hinder their happiness and subsequent focus in the current. What they do not realize is the benefit they lose for not focusing on the current. Living the current moment may be regarded as the cure to most of the problems faced by humans due to tight schedules and hectic lives. Focusing on the current ignores tomorrow’s worries and trouble and lets one concentrate on the immediate happiness. It also allows one to exploit the benefits of the present moment and empower the brain. Consequently, the practice of mindfulness has often been ignored though the concept is constantly used in daily conversations. The concept relates to being aware of your present surrounding. Further, mindfulness details that people should embrace the current moment without concern of what tomorrow may bring. It is related to neuroscience and the brain in the aspect that human development influences their ability to live the present moment and focus on the current. “The human brain contains hundreds of trillions of synapses that help the brain cells communicate with each other (Riopel para. 2).” Research has shown that practicing non-judgmental awareness of the present moment leads to brain changes. Further, psychologists have recommended people struggling with stress and anxiety in their lives to practice focusing on the current. Meditation, which is considered a part of mindfulness is offered as a course for helping the body to relax. The course is meant to help people avoid unproductive thoughts such as the focus on the past or the future (Riopel para.14). Mindfulness can also be used to create a strong connection between brain and mood. The connection can then be applied to change the one thinks. Effects of the Stages of Brain Development on Focusing on the Current Children are less conscious of their environment compared to adults. Since their minds are less occupied with material concerns, they are more suited to live the present than the adults. For instance, children are less ashamed to dance in public even when their moves are awkward. As the conscious develops, they get occupied with other people’s concerns about being judged and hence develop shame. At this instance, an adult will try to let go the perception that others are watching and forming judgments but it may not be simple. Back in their minds, they know that they look ridiculous on the dance flow. The reason that contributes to such thoughts is focusing on past mistakes. If they allow the present moment to rule, such thoughts and negative perceptions may fade away. People are afraid of trying new things for fear of failing. That fear is usually a concept drawn from the past. Children are often fond of discovering “new” tactics. They simply live the present moment. Dwelling too much on past activities results in doing worse. For instance, while giving a speech, focusing on negative aspects such as anxiety and fear tends to heighten tension. The tension arises from focusing on what is in the mind instead of being present before the audience. Being mindful blurs the line that exists between you and the audience. You get to experience a feeling of being part of the audience. However, through a reduced self-consciousness allows mindfulness to witness the social pressure, disparaged, and drama of feelings with the rest (Dixit para.21). Moreover, one is able to overcome self-evaluation that takes place in the mind. It is the self-evaluation that beats us up. The brain is one of the organs that continues to develop long after birth. The pre-frontal cortex of the brain is the last part to develop. This part is responsible for a number of actions including motor functions, impulse control, and problem solving among others. Children below the age of nine years do not have this particular part. Besides, young adults and adolescents judge emotions with emotions unlike adults who use the pre-frontal cortex. The distinct development phases explain why these two populations respond differently to focus on the current. The adults, whose brains are fully developed are more conscious than the adolescents. The adults show less focus on the present moment and more on the future as well as the past. On the other hand, the adolescents and children are more oriented towards focusing on the present than on the future or the past. Effects of Internal Chemical Balance on Focusing on the Current Despite efforts by researchers to understand the working of the brain, the absolute functioning remains a fascinating mystery. For instance, it is obvious that the brain helps us to perceive the world around us, communicate, as well as survive. It coordinates numerous activities that we are unaware of. The brain has a mechanism of communicating with the rest of the body to enhance wholeness. The neurons transmit impulses from and to the brain, which are perceived and interpreted distinctly by different organs. In attempting to create a balance for optimum functioning in the body organs, the impulses push the brain to focus on the past, the present, or even the future. I usually meditate for time to time to alleviate awful feelings and enhance healthy living. Whenever I fail to do so for a while, I experience discomforts all over my body that drive me into the routine cure. I tend to believe that is one of the body mechanisms of reminding me on what to do. Of course, conscious play an integral part in the process of maintaining the balance. Besides, the mec...