Max Strom wrote this passage in his book called “A Life worth Breathing”.
It is the storm in your mind-the mental stress, negativity, and endless inner monologue – that causes so much of your emotional suffering and ill health. It is by teaching your intellect to become quiet, and learning to be still, that you can become happier, healthier, and more emotionally stable. Constant lurching into the future or dwelling on past events robs you of your present. True joy is experienced only in the present, so you have to be present to experience it.
The quote above says it all. I will only add a little by saying we need to train our monkey minds to be our best tool and not our worst enemy that can cause so much stress and inner turmoil. It takes time and practice to train the mind but the rewards are worth the effort.
How do we get keep the mind focused and in the present?
Commit to a regular yoga and meditation practice. These two practices can lead to a calm, clear and present mind.