The Holy Instant

The Only Moment Is the One Here and Now

Photo by Harli Marten on Unsplash

Often, when we feel consumed with worry, anxiety, and stress, it emerges from a concern with events from the past or from fear about what may happen in the future. 

As humans, reflection on the past and planning for the future are undoubtedly essential, and this world necessitates that we engage in such contemplation on what was and discernment of what could be, as healthy, responsible individuals. However, when we become numb to the present moment and the peace offered in the here and now, we deny the Holy Instant that is ever and always present. 

Chapter 15 of the text states,

Take this very instant, now, and think of it as all there is of time. Nothing can reach you here out of the past, and it is here that you are completely absolved, completely free, and wholly without condemnation. From this holy instant wherein holiness was born again you will go forth in time without fear, and with no sense of change with time.

From A Course perspective, there is no time but the present moment. The past and the future are distractions from the holiness, happiness, and joy we can choose to experience right now. 

This is among the Course’s most powerful teachings. It is a powerful spiritual lens that can help put matters, circumstances, and the challenges we experience in perspective. 

When experiencing an upset, when we are troubled by attack thoughts, when situations challenge our patience, and when we experience disappointment, our minds are clouded. We become weighed down by the stresses of this world, a weight that can be physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological. 

Chapter 15 of the text also states, 

In the holy instant the condition of love is met, for minds are joined without the body's interference, and where there is communication there is peace.

The Holy Instant is a miracle. It is the miracle of looking past the blocks to our awareness of love. It is the miracle of rising above the chains of pain, suffering, guilt, and loss. 

The Holy Instant is always present and the only present moment. We have the choice of when to claim it. 

We can ruminate in anger, guilt, fear, and pain, or we can acknowledge these feelings and choose to give them up. We can elect not to allow negativity and self-defeating thoughts to tie us down. We can let go and step into the Holy Instant.

Photo by Sean Sinclair on Unsplash

The Holy Instant is when we recognize the choices we can make rather than our limitations. 

The Holy Instant is when we stop beating ourselves up and stop beating up on others.

The Holy Instant is when we stop trying to micro-manage others.

The Holy Instant is when we surrender our thoughts and actions to a higher power. 

The Holy Instant is when we acknowledge that the past has no power over us.

The Holy Instant is when we believe our worst mistakes do not define who we are. 

The Holy Instant is when we learn not to take everything so seriously. 

The Holy Instant is responding with love when confronted with unloving situations. 

The Holy Instant is when we choose the peace within, irrespective of what is happening outside.

The Holy Instant is remembering that we are spiritual beings who are having a human experience.

The Holy Instant is learning to forgive everyone for everything, all the time. This includes ourselves. 

The Holy Instant is our release from the ego and our union with God and each other. 

When in your life have you recognized the Holy Instant? Feel free to share with us below!

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Have a great week, everyone.