Good Morning Vital Corps

Today's post was born out of a saying, a saying that has had a profound impact on my way of thinking:

If you are depressed, you are living in the past
If you are anxious, you are living in the future
If you are at peace, you are living in the present

-Unknown (this quote has popularly been attributed to Lao Tzu but there is no actual proof and it's not consistent with his other philosophies)

There are many causes behind depression and anxiety. The purpose of this saying is not to trivialize those struggles, but to provide a starting point to navigate them. As always, it's ok to seek help from others if you need it.

And note, Living is not the same as Visiting.

If you are depressed, you are living in the past

This line suggests that when our minds dwell too much on what has already happened, we can get stuck in feelings of regret and loss, which can feed into depression. If you notice yourself replaying old scenarios, holding onto past mistakes, or wishing things had gone differently, you may find your mood weighed down by things that are no longer within your control or ability to change.

Recognizing this pattern is a gentle reminder to bring your attention back to the moment, and to offer compassion to your past self rather than letting those memories dictate your present feelings.

If you are anxious, you are living in the future

This line highlights how anxiety often thrives on uncertainty about what’s ahead. Worrying about what might go wrong, running endless “what if” scenarios, or pressuring yourself to control outcomes that haven’t happened yet. When your thoughts race forward to possible futures, it’s easy to feel unsettled, restless, or overwhelmed.

Gently noticing when you’re getting caught in these patterns can help you return to the present, reassuring yourself that you can handle what’s actually in front of you, moment by moment. It’s a reminder that your power is always here, not in an imagined future.

If you are at peace, you are living in the present

This line points to the unique grounding and calm that comes from fully inhabiting the now. When you immerse yourself in the present - really noticing your surroundings, your breath, or the sensations of this very second - worries about the past and the future tend to loosen their grip.

Peace doesn’t mean everything is perfect; it means accepting this exact moment with openness, curiosity, and kindness. It’s in the present where your influence and experience truly exist, and where a sense of deep contentment can be found, even if just for a breath at a time.

Today's Challenge

Take a "Present Moment Pause":

Set an alarm for a random time today. At that time, pause for one minute:

• Notice 3 things you can see, 2 things you can feel, and 1 thing you can hear.

• Let your attention rest on these details, letting worries about the past or future drift to the side.

• Afterwards, notice how your body and mind feel, even if just a little calmer.

Try this whenever you feel distracted, tense, or caught up in thoughts. It's a simple way to come back to now.

Looking Forward

In the future, we will explore methods to visit the past and the future but in a productive way. Looking to the past is how we learn. Looking to the future is how we prepare. They are an important part of your development and when managed properly, they will help form a foundation from which you will take on the world.

Fill out our survey to let us know where to prioritize our resources next: https://vitalcore-newsletter.beehiiv.com/forms/a13aa794-2737-431a-9f82-82a6f08ffc6b

With you in every breath,
— Vital Core

P.S. Tell us how your challenge went! We’re looking forward to it.