Zen and early Buddhist ideas had a profound influence on Japanese culture. The idea that the present moment (the character of it) is enough. neither pushing away (aversion) nor leaning into (grasping) or blasé (boredom borne out of delusion and not paying clear attention) — but receiving the moment as is — regardless of what one’s up to (with gratitude) is a way of enjoying the moment to the fullest. Extracting the full quality out of each moment makes a life content and fulfilling.

Most people live as though this moment is a dress rehearsal for something greater yet to come— and yet, the “Yet” never comes! — which is delusional. This is it! Live every moment to the fullest.