Is it possible for humans to live in the present moment? Yes, it is, and most of us encounter living examples of it regularly! Observe closely the next small child you encounter. They have no worried lines on their faces, are almost always playing and enjoying themselves, and rarely complain about bills, jobs, chores, etc. If one happens to have an unpleasant experience it is quickly forgotten and life goes on. They are naturally balanced, living-in-the present, stress-free beings. Who has seen a toddler hold a grudge, worry about the next meal or even think about what they did yesterday or will do tomorrow? They are so focused on the present moment that they are entirely spontaneous, unpretentious and usually very happy. They are in a constant state of effortless meditation.
Living in the moment is not, however, a regression to immaturity. It is an evolutionary step in which we return to our childlike innocence and simplicity but in full awareness of ourselves, our place in society and our moral role and responsibility. How does one tap into and sustain a connection with the present moment? How does one escape the brainstorm of mental stress that we all experience? We would all agree that more research needs to be done to try to understand how the “Sahaja Yoga effect“ occurs. Does it work via the autonomic nervous system? Is it really the result of an energy that exists within each of us called kundalini? Is it possible to examine the most ancient of traditions with modern science?
The Meditation Research Program at the Royal Hospital for Women will continue to delve into these important questions.13 Suffice to say for now that Sahaja Yoga meditation appears to offer a method by which each of us can tame the brainstorm, realise a state of peace and tranquillity and begin to heal our body, mind and spirit.
