Paradise is now

by Ren Hang

You're one of the most goal-oriented people I've ever met. When you set your mind to something, you go all out and find the most efficient way to make it happen. You probably already have some big life goals set up, and now you're in the stage of figuring out how all the puzzle pieces fit together to form the big picture. Me? Well, I'm probably more focused on the process than the end goal.

Many of us get so wrapped up in the outcome. We believe that achieving our goals will bring us pleasure or freedom or happiness or peace, only to realize later on that it doesn't quite work that way. Sure, it might give us a fleeting moment of those things, but let's be real here—it doesn't last. Then we find ourselves stuck in a never-ending vicious cycle of holding our breath and holding out on the fun and excitement until we reach a so-called magical destination. Thing is, there is no magical destination. Well, except there is a space called paradise…

Paradise is in the here and now. It's in those longing looks you give me, in the gentle touch of your hand, and in the slow, passionate kisses we share. Paradise is when you truly listen to me, not just to my words, but to the spaces in between. Paradise is when we connect deeply, when we make love, when we reach orgasm in unison. Paradise is when we sing and dance and party in the car. Paradise is in the laughter we share. Paradise is waking up next to you in the morning, with no rush to go to work. Paradise is seeing each other after weeks apart and embracing all changes that made us. Paradise is what we often overlook when we're too busy focusing on the distant end of the tunnel, failing to appreciate what's right in front of us. Paradise is love. Paradise is peace. Paradise is passion. Paradise is presence...and maybe that’s why many miss out on it...