The Power of Now
What does it truly mean to be in the moment? This question has been explored by many spiritual teachers, including Eckhart Tolle, who emphasises the importance of living in the now. But how do we do that? In this article I explore how to BE in the NOW with Jin Shin Jyutsu.
When we dwell on the past, we often feel regret. Similarly, thoughts of the future can cause fear. As a result, we miss the beauty of the present – the only moment we ever really have. That’s why it’s called the present: it’s a gift.
Watch the Video: How to BE in the NOW with Jin Shin Jyutsu
The Challenge of Staying Present
But in our busy lives, staying present can be incredibly challenging. Our minds are constantly running, planning, analysing, and reacting. We get caught up in memories of ‘what was’ or anxieties about ‘what could be’, leaving little room to experience the now.
So how do we cultivate presence? One key way is by calming the mind, and a powerful tool to achieve this is Jin Shin Jyutsu, a universal Art of harmonising the energy within us. It originates from Japan but is accessible and beneficial to everyone, regardless of culture or background.
How to BE in the NOW with Jin Shin Jyutsu
Jin Shin Jyutsu is more than just a healing technique – it’s a way of being. It allows us to experience a deep sense of contentment by giving the mind a break from its constant need to control everything.
When we engage in this practice, we’re not forcing the mind to be present. Rather, we’re inviting it to relax. When the mind relaxes, we can naturally enter the present moment without effort.
When we experience stress, anxiety, or a sense of being overwhelmed, practicing Jin Shin Jyutsu can be grounding.
The thumb, for instance, is associated with the attitude of WORRY. When we hold it, we give ourselves permission to pause, to breathe, and to reconnect with our true essence.
In fact, if you sit quietly, close your eyes and hold either one of your thumbs you might find that your mind is quieter, you feel calmer and you’re more grounded and present. All in a matter of minutes!
From Stress to Calm
We all go through times of intense stress to the point where we may feel completely paralysed, unable to take action.
When stress reaches this level, our nervous system can shut down, making it difficult to move forward. In these moments, it’s crucial to stop, acknowledge what’s happening, and engage in a simple practice that brings us back into our body and the now.
Jin Shin Jyutsu provides us with these tools. By holding a finger, practicing a gentle self help hold, or simply being aware of our breath, we can shift from overwhelm to calm.
This isn’t about intellectualising the experience but rather feeling it in our bodies. The present moment isn’t something we find in our minds. It’s something we experience when we let go of mental noise and return to our natural state of balance: our essence.
The Bliss of No-Thing
At its core, being present isn’t about doing – it’s about being. Mary says: “We are human BE-ings, not human TRY-ings or DO-ings or STRIV-ings. We are simply human BE-ings.”
There’s a profound sense of contentment that arises when we let go of the need to control, analyse, or anticipate. This is the bliss of “no-thing” – a space beyond thoughts and emotions where we simply exist in harmony with ourselves and the world.
Jin Shin Jyutsu isn’t just about relieving symptoms, though that is certainly one of its benefits. While a specific hand position may be helpful for a headache or back pain, the true essence of the practice goes beyond individual holds.
It works holistically, allowing the body and mind to find balance in ways we may not always understand logically.
Many people are surprised to find that a hold intended for one issue also alleviates something else. This is because Jin Shin Jyutsu works with the body’s entire system of energy pathways, not just isolated problems.
Embrace the Present Moment
Ultimately, the journey toward BE-ing present is a journey of self-discovery, which leads to transformation.
Practices such as Jin Shin Jyutsu, mindfulness, or simply receiving a breath, empower us to fully inhabit the present moment. Even if initially it is just for a moment. The more we embrace these practices, the more natural it becomes to live in the moment, free from past regrets or future fears.
The present is always available – it’s the only place where life truly happens.
By giving ourselves a bit of time every day to practice Jin Shin Jyutsu, we can cultivate presence, reduce stress, and experience profound contentment. And within that stillness, we truly receive the gift of now.
Want to experience Jin Shin Jyutsu regularly?
I offer weekly group practice sessions, live online! See Group Practice Sessions.