This moment is rarely only this moment
As we move in this moment – even if it’s as ‘simple’ and ‘easy’ as taking a step, grasping an object, or saying a simple word – we are leveraging a mix of memory (past/orientation), environment (present/findability), and goal (future/navigation).
- Taking a step: remembering the mechanics and physical interplay, noting the rough surface here, understanding that the goal is there and a hole and a boulder have to be navigated even as you are managing this rough spot right now
- Grasping an object: remembering the mechanics, noting not-normal signals of heat and back tracking to memory again to remind yourself that you don’t like the pain nor the future-state itching of a healing burn, acknowledging that the thing you need to grasp is going to be inedible if you don’t take it away from the primary heat source soon, with future-state implications of hunger (shorter or longer depending on ready food nearby).
- Say hi: remembering the mechanics, noting you haven’t spoken recently and that your throat is chalky, remembering that a quick spastic rumble can gain attention and clear your throat, future-sense that you have a few moments before the person is close enough to actually hear you, weighing and deciding when it’s most appropriate to clear your throat based on your history and intended interaction with this person, consider a nod instead.
Now, what levels of those time senses are in play vary. It can be a personal preference (living in mindfulness), current environmental factors (thinking about the lack of money to pay rent, working with big machinery), or even a dramatic change in a situation (a previously mobile person has to dig into deep memory to figure out how to take a step adaptively, even with support from a physical therapist, or someone loved is gone).
We rarely live in only-now. We are constantly referring to our history for clues and decision points, and usually have a goal in mind – even if it’s only instantiated in the past second and will be done or not in the next second.
Springboards
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