looking back, and looking forward are both part of being fully present
There is no conflict or contradiction here. It is important, almost all of the time, to be focused wherever we happen to be, and on whatever it is we may be doing. Think about being in a conversation. Giving another our time, and attention are often the greatest gift we can offer another. Feeling listened to, and really being heard, even when we may not agree or don't have any advice to offer are very validating and yes, nurturing. But if the other person feels that you are not really listening, the experience for that individual may actually be worse than if we actually dismissed them, or attacked what they are saying. So being present as a listener is very, very important. But of course there are exceptions for every situation. As a writer, I am very protective of my time. As I write these words, I can see more then one of my close friends or relatives shaking their heads and saying to themselves, " You have more time to yourself than anyone I know..." and they may