The most important thing we do.

We live in a world of action; we can't escape that. Action is what gets things done; action maintains our bodies in good health; action provides our daily bread. Our actions, however, are frequently affected by worries and influenced by misleading assumptions that stem from our aimless self-reflection. It is our undisciplined and relentless mind that produces an irresponsible or base behavior induced by irrational fears, which originate in non-existent sources or situations. Reality is warped by the wandering mind; reality is not what we think. Thus, the most important thing we do is to discipline our minds to focus on reality as it is now. It is interesting to note that human beings have the uncanny ability to ignore the obvious. Although all sages from the beginning of time have stressed the importance of having presence of mind, we refuse to see the necessity of it. We refuse to see what it can do for us. To try to simplify something rather complex I would say that it does three things for us: Physically speaking presence can even save our lives by making us aware of what is coming at us; mentally it will eliminate stress because stress dwells either in a non-existent future or a past that we refuse to let go; and spiritually it will help us to see that we are never separate from the Source. Now, it is true that I don't know anybody that can be mindful at all times, but just trying our best (just our best) makes a big difference. And with a disciplined mind comes equanimity and inner balance whether we have or have not. And bear in mind that "having" and "having not" are always subject to change.