Fools

 There is a saying about living in the present moment:

Old fools live in the past.
New fools live in the future.

My "cloistered brothers," know this.  They have horrific pasts.  It would be devastating to live in their pasts.  What good would it do?  They can't fix it?  Learn from it, adjust, and move forward.

The future is a worry.  Dreaming about a future is OK if you know it's just a dream; you can't live in dreams.  That would be foolish.

What's left.  The present is what's left.  Conscious awareness is vital. We must observe the present situation we find ourselves in.  Appreciate it.  Use it.  See its beauty; its good; its truth.  Is it enjoyable?  Then rest in it.  If not--adjust.  Does breathing reduce the pain?  Does singing help?  Talk to God.

Overriding distractions and adjusting to resting in peace takes practice.  Think of  eating a cookie. Don't gobble it up.  Hold it in your hand and gaze upon it.  Does it look good.  What kind is it?  Smell it.  Take a small bite.  Chew it slowly and swallow.  What do you think?  Take another small bite.  Was that bite tastier than the first bite?  Are you enjoying this cookie?

It's not a real cookie but you are focused on the cookie.  The same is being in the present moment.  Focus on your body in your surroundings.  Feel it bit by bit.  Eventually, you are enjoying the moment just like you enjoyed that imaginary cookie. Rest in the present moment.