Reading about the concept of getting in contact with the moment (the now) completely reminds me of "carpe diem" as written by Horace, "seize the day." This is a motto that most of us may say yet very few insert within everyday practice. The following question arises: Is the idea to keep busy and thinking forward while thinking behind a self taught, genetic, or socially born and encouraged concept?
With people who stutter it seems that "carpe diem" maybe one of the hardest philosophies to grasp. Interesting that the literal Latin translation is "pick (harvest) the day (or moment)." I like both "seize" and "harvest" for the fact that we must grab hold of the seconds that we live, not only the happy ones but the ones that bring tears. This seems to be vital to the ACT way of helping people help themselves.
This "harvesting" of moments also is important to people who stutter (PWS) in the same way that it could promote new learning, like Luoma et al (2007) says, "present is particularly important because that is where new learning occurs and where the opportunities afforded by the environment are discovered." I like the idea of "discovery." This, to me, brings feelings of hope. Hope that if PWS, myself included, become accustomed to living in the moment, the new feelings and discoveries of ourselves (from looking through a new lens) may be the confidence booster to help live a valued life. However, the challenge to this process maybe to learn a new way of focusing on the moment and then to recognize the new creations (discoveries) as "new learning" without being "judgmental" (next blog, so keep your eyes posted!). Question: How do ACT interventionist educate (teach) how to recognize "new learning" is occurring or can occur if we live in the moment?
"Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost" -- Avenged Sevenfold
Scott