It’s as if the future has never existed, and the past is nothing but a shadow. Certain moments, however, seem eternal. They make us feel alive, profound, and connected to something greater. Everything outside of those moments feels inexistent, like an empty space waiting to be filled. Our existence, in fact, is defined by that “thing”—that moment. Even if the world comes against us, in those moments, we do what we think we have to do, regardless of external forces.
The Power of Presence
You know this feeling, don’t you? When you’re with a loved one, when you experience an intense high or a creative breakthrough, when you embark on a new adventure that excites all your senses. In these moments, the world feels like it’s paused. Everything outside of that experience becomes irrelevant. Only the source of that intensity matters.
The Addictive Moment: A Unique Experience
This is exactly what happens when you’re addicted. The moment you indulge in the addictive behavior—whether it’s food, drugs, porn, or any form of escapism—is unique in itself. Think about the countless times you’ve promised yourself “never again,” yet fell into the same cycle. Those moments are different from any others. You are different in those moments.
Yes, my friend, you are a function—a unique combination of experiences, choices, and perceptions. No two moments of your life are ever the same. They may appear similar, but there are always tiny differences that make them unique. For example, the way you lift your hand right now is different from how you’ll lift it in an hour. Though it’s the same hand, the same motion, there is always something subtly different, something unique about the way you do it.
No matter how hard you try to recreate the exact conditions of a moment, something will always be missed. Even the smallest variable, like an atom, can make the difference between replication and uniqueness. That is what makes each moment, each action, profoundly distinct.
The Search for Meaning
You’re constantly searching for that “thing”—that source of depth and meaning. This is a natural and good desire. But I fear you’ll often get lost along the way. The quest for profound experiences, for the moments that make you feel alive, can sometimes lead you astray. The more you seek them, the more you risk losing yourself in the process, chasing after something that is fleeting and elusive.
Final Thoughts
The challenge lies not in finding those moments of intensity and meaning, but in recognizing that they are not the end goal. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of addiction or the endless search for profound experiences. But true fulfillment comes from understanding that each moment, in all its subtle uniqueness, carries the potential for profound meaning. It’s not about recreating the past or seeking the next high. It’s about embracing each moment as it comes, understanding that even the smallest change in the variables of life can make it something entirely unique.
Call to Action:
How do you embrace the uniqueness of each moment? Do you find yourself chasing after that next profound experience, or have you learned to appreciate the present? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Identity? 