This is one of the best explanations of how one should think about present-moment focus.
We often have doubts and confusion about what present-moment focus actually is, and whether we can really achieve it. Here, the Venerable uses the analogy of Parkinson’s disease to explain it. He likens the uncontrolled trembling of the hand to the wandering mind — simply put, this is a “disease state.”
Most of us are like that mentally as well. Our minds are often wandering, restless, and uncontrollable.
When our hands are normal and healthy, they do not tremble uncontrollably. We use them only when we need to use them, and we move them with intention to accomplish things.
The Venerable said that the mind is the same. A healthy mind is one that naturally stays in the present moment, and when we need to plan for the future or recall something from the past, we can consciously direct it to do so — just like how we control a healthy hand.
It’s important to think of this healthy default mode as present-moment focus, and be inspired to return to it.
