If we were fully to "be here now (BHN)," as Buddhists enjoin, would it make it impossible ever to "get there then (GTT)"?

Most Americans are forever in motion to try to GTT -- even in sleep the neurons keep firing -- and thus can never fully, or even slightly, BHN. Most might as well wear T-shirts that say "What's next?".

And once they do GTT, how many pause long enough, if at all, to have a chance to BHN? Ever in motion -- with point A always fading into point B into point C . . . -- can there ever be any "here"? Ever getting, who could be? Ever being, who could get anywhere or anything? What it takes for success unfits us for happiness, and vice versa.

Such are, to borrow the title of the show Laura taped for George when he had to be abroad, the "days of our lives." What's the answer?

(1) To part, tearfully, with the illusion that satisfaction of any depth can be experienced in moments of action. It can be experienced only in reflecting on worthy actions taken.

(2) Tortoisism ("A thing of beauty never hurries.") Unlike the hare, the tortoise may even be able to experience some pleasure in motion itself, and at least not be wrecked by it. Even if he doesn't "win the race," as he does in the fable, he at least avoids pyrrhic victories, and his pace makes it possible for him to see and take worthy byways.

(3) Psychochemistry, of which I know too little beyond the enological.

I'm nagged by the thought that I can't nail this. But I'll have to let it stand for now. . . . Hold it [band cue]. Here's the answer, shown as well as preached, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, if love is alive.

Sage, is there really no satisfaction in any action? Maybe you are using the term in a specific way. There must be some "actions" that are not only about getting there, but are also about being here. At the peak of my fitness, nothing was more satisfying than a good run, with those endorphins kicking in, feeling like Superwoman. I didn't always run just to finish; sometimes I ran just to run. And what about the satisfaction of total concentration on a craft? At those times I'm not thinking about getting there; I'm just here. Thanks for making me look up another word every time I read your blog. And thanks for turning on the soul-shake.