Well, I'm finally on week 15 of the program and I think I'm already having a growth spurt (or setback, whichever you prefer). I currently lack the ability to live in the precious, present moment! This inability to live in the present moment is the root cause of my obsessions about death, my perfectionism, and my chronic boredom. If I conquer this final part of the program, I'm certain to feel better in the long run! But, it still confuses me greatly: how exactly do I live in the present moment anyways? The program helps shed some light, but it still troubles me. Also, how do I plan for the future without obsessing about it? Any advice would be appreciated!

Ben,

I went through this program a few years ago but I've come back to because of own "growth spurt". My advice, stop and smell the coffee, watch a sunrise, look hard for the good things around you and practice, practice, practice doing this. I know that's not easy at times but even with the challenges I've faced personally lately it's really helped.

Nancy

my present therapist gave me a quieting of the mind exercise to help with this.
First you focus on your breath, your mind will wander, but you bring back your attention to your breath.
I'm supposed to practice this for five minutes everyday.

I just have to say, i am noticing more and more beautiful things around me. It started w. just one thing...a tulip i think. well i thought it was beautiful and i snapped a picture of it...this was a couple days ago..and then another thing, and soon im noticing the beauty in nature again...and the beauty in myself. i had to work at it, and smile forcefully, but then it just became natural and now i cant stop. like excercise. notice how everything around you feels when you touch it. and notice throughout the day when you are around pleasant smells. or friendly people. notice when you get a present unexpectedly how glad you are/grateful, or when someone pays you a complement. even if its the people on this wonderful site. take the time to say thank you with a smile...it'll come. dont worry.