Conventionally, we look for safety in two ways—intellectually and in the material world. Intellectually, we aim to minimise the uncertainty in our life, to build security, to feel confident and competent, to plan the future, to strategise about our options, find answers to the questions that intrigue and bother us, minimise emotional and psychological frictions. Physically, we find safety in partners, families and friends, in our home and career, in our possessions, bank accounts and assets.
In reality, however, any safety that’s in the future, that “exists” outside of the present moment is an illusion. Life is uncertain by nature. And no matter what we plan, create and build, there’s no safety and security in the future. We can find comfort in the illusion that we’re well-prepared, but it’s illusory nevertheless.
It is our mind that looks for this future-bound safety. The mind is both a superpower and an Achilles’ heel. It’s programmed to protect us and as such it’s either in the past or in the future—learning from past pains in order to build a better future—which ironically is the precursor to lack of safety.
Because the thing is, real safety is only in the present moment. It’s the safety that you have now, and now, and now. It’s a kind of intimacy, a presence. And the more present you are, the more your consciousness is here and now, the safer you are. Presence is alignment. When you are fully present, you are thoroughly aligned with your potential and capabilities, and as such equipped to respond to whatever the current moment presents in the best way possible.
Real safety is in the absence of the search for safety. When we resist being dragged into the fear-led impulses and inclinations of the mind, the mind gets disarmed and hence silent. In the absence of its incessant chatter, we connect with a deeper sense of being, with our true self and consciousness, which are beyond mind and body. The peace and presence we feel then is the deepest form of security, peace and joy.