Time: Past, Present and Future
The word Time cannot be defined or explained in a single sentence. Both physicists and philosophers are wandering from period immemorial to derive a perfect explanation. But, in general, great physicists agree to a point that time can only move forward. So far, there is no physical evidence that anything in the universe can dodge time and move backwards, nor can it jump ahead. Time is like a wave in sea – once the wave crushes on the beach, it is lost for ever. A ticked second will also not return anymore.
This concept has a resemblance with theory in classical philosophy where time is divided into three distinct regions – past, present and future. As time flows, a part of the ‘present’ becomes a part of ‘past’ and simultaneously a part of the ‘future’ becomes the new ‘present’. Thus, the present moment moves only forward into the future, leaving the past behind.
And also, time is not that constant as it may seem. As per theory of relativity and experiments thereafter, a second elapsed may not be equal across the entire universe. Even to a common person time is subjective as conceptually the speed of time seems to vary. Good times seem to fly fast, while troubled times seem to linger longer than usual. Time is viewed as an object of value and most of us wish we had more of it; on the other hand, time is also an enemy as it eventually, the element, which kills all of us.
Think about past: That is the history? And what does that signify? The past can be memorable or forgettable but nothing from it remains permanently, neither physically nor conceptually. It itself is immutably fixed and remains only in the memory. Do not repent about past; is it worth to worry about something that has already gone for ever? Instead take lessons from it. Past can be used to think and reflect and choose a course of action for the present. However, they are not ‘present’ anymore nor you are your past any longer. You are just entering your present anyway.
Now think about present: What are you now? What are you trying to accomplish? Are you afraid of your past? Are you fearful about the future? Both past and future are non-existent so ‘You’ are the now, here, at this moment. Dwell, be aware of the now and live a life in the present moment. Try to create something that would make you accomplished in the future. Do not speculate the future and repent for the past. What else can one do? Be aware of the present time as it is just a beautiful gift in your life ready to be cherished and adored. It is only of immense value doing something in the now to derive a more meaningful and purpose filled life in future.
What about the future? It is a dream. It is unpredictable. It is something unknown and at least partly undefined. We cannot control it, but yes, one can do the best in the present to create a future where one feels peace. This doing will not happen by wishing the future to be similar you expect. You will have to act in the present and train to be peaceful in the now. Live with mindfulness in the present to flow peacefully into the future, whatever it beholds.
An afterthought with a step towards spiritual manifestation: Time cannot be touched or seen but can only be perceived. Thus, time with its past, present and future becomes a single entity if one can delve deep inside oneself and transmute into the mysterious, invisible power that is the origin of all and which resides within all.