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As Shelley says in his famous poem, 'To a Skylark': 'We…

“As Shelley says in his famous poem, 'To a Skylark': 'We look before and after and pine for what is not Our sincerest laughter with some pain is fraught...' It is human nature to live either in the past or in the future. Such thinking is always the cause of pain and gives stress. Yoga emphasizes…” quote by Fr. John Ferreira
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““As Shelley says in his famous poem, 'To a Skylark': 'We look before and after and pine for what is not Our sincerest laughter with some pain is fraught...' It is human nature to live either in the past or in the future. Such thinking is always the cause of pain and gives stress. Yoga emphasizes being in the moment and not to dwell in the past nor to anticipate the future.””

Fr. John Ferreira

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Focusing on past or future creates stress; staying present reduces pain and anxiety.

In simple terms: Living in the now eases suffering.

Key Takeaway

Practice mindfulness daily.

Themes

mindfulness stress presence wellbeing

Mood

calm reflective

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • work meetings
  • daily routines
  • exercise classes

Key Concepts

temporal focus psychology spirituality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance present awareness with future planning?
  • What habits keep you anchored in the moment?
A Different Perspective

May neglect practical planning or long‑term goals.

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