Jon Kabat-Zinn, a clinical biologist and developer of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, widely regarded as an effective protocol for managing stress, pain, and chronic illness, has written that:

“The future that we want–this is it. This is the future of all the previous thoughts you’ve ever had about the future.  You’re in it. You’re already in it. What is the purpose of all this living if it’s only to get some place else… This moment’s as good as any other. It’s perfect.” (Mindfulness for Beginners)

Living in the present moment is at the center of mindfulness practice. Thich Nhat Hanh (“Thay”), Vietnamese Buddhist monk and spiritual leader of the Plum Village Mindfulness Centre, joins Kabat-Zinn as a major proponent of mindfulness throughout the world.  Check out the Plum Village Mindfulness Practice Centre Blog for more information, as well as a performance of a song inspired by these words.

Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment–and Your Life. Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2011.