Here and Now
The practice of being fully present in the current moment. In Maya Mandala's system, the here and now is not a concept — it is the only place where life actually happens and where real transformation becomes possible.
- Term
- Here and Now
- Category
- Core State
- Related Concepts
- Presence, Awareness, Being Here, Inner Silence, Attention, Mindfulness
- Level
- All Levels
What Here and Now Means
The here and now is this moment — right here, right now. It sounds simple, and it is. But most of the time, you are not here. You are somewhere else: planning, remembering, worrying, imagining. The here and now is the only place where you are actually alive.
In Maya Mandala's teaching, the body is the gateway to the here and now. Thoughts pull you into past and future. The body is always in the present. By bringing attention to the body, you arrive in the only moment that exists.
Common Misconceptions
Most people are naturally present most of the time
The text states the opposite directly: most of the time, you are not here — you are planning, remembering, worrying, or imagining.
Being present requires complex technique or years of training
The text frames the body itself as the gateway — since the body, unlike the mind, is always already in the present moment.
Related Concepts
In Maya Mandala's Self-Discovery Dictionary, this concept connects to other terms:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does here and now mean?
It means being fully present in this moment — not lost in thoughts about the past or future, but awake to what is happening right now.
Why is the here and now important?
Because the past is gone, the future has not arrived, and this moment is all there is. Most suffering comes from being somewhere other than here.
How do I practice being here and now?
Bring your attention to your body. Feel your breath. Sense your feet on the ground. The body is always in the present. When you feel your body, you are here.
How does Maya Mandala teach this?
Through movement practices like Mandala Dance, where attention is anchored in the moving body. When you dance with awareness, you cannot be anywhere but here.
Is it possible to be in the here and now all the time?
For most people, no — and that is not the goal. The practice is to keep returning. Each return builds the capacity for presence.
Programs for Deep Inner Work
Practices that help you approach this topic with awareness.
Unfolding Your Abilities
Developing awareness, intuition, and the ability to see the whole picture.
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Mandala Dance. Level 1
A retreat exploring embodied movement, presence, and creative expression through Maya's signature Mandala Dance method.
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