Liberating the present is a challenge because of the many layers the past had put on it, but also the many expectations the future holds on it. Are we truly living in the moment? Are we able to fully acknowledge the present moment with all of our senses? How much do you think about the past or the future in every given moment? Do you need to force yourself to “live in the moment” or it comes naturally to you?

How do the past, present and future influence each other? French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir talks about the paradox of our temporal bias:

"Instead of fully inhabiting our present, we are too often tempted to regard it as posterity’s past and observe it with the same “tranquil curiosity” of a tourist with which we observe yesteryear’s events and torments." - read on: Maria Popova, The Marginalian

While the now is strongly influenced by the past, the future also plays its role. Living in a highly precarious world, we are forced to consider all sorts of flexible scenarios and train ourselves to be prepared for whatever comes next - more wars, higher inflation, loosing jobs, health issues, global challenges… How much are we really able to enjoy the moment and did we master the art of caring not too much, nor too little?

// digital artwork // 5024 × 5031px // 2024, Nicosia [CY]