I AM HERE NOW

Presence is the simplest practice and the...

I AM HERE NOW

Presence is the simplest practice and the hardest to remember. Our inner voice constantly pulls us toward past regrets or future worries, and sometimes it takes a steady reminder to return to this moment—the only moment we truly have.

This mantra painting repeats I AM HERE NOW in rainbow hues across raw linen, a visual chant to anchor the mind. Hidden within, Hubby slipped in the playful phrase I AM STILL HERE, like a wink to the distracted inner narrator that needs constant reminding.

The work nods to Ram Dass and his seminal book Be Here Now, a visual poem that invited generations into mindfulness. Hubby once met Ram Dass while in college in Charleston, South Carolina, riveted by his radiant presence and his harmonium performance. Known for blending humor with profound peace, Ram Dass journeyed through psychedelics into deeper spiritual revelation, ultimately showing that the greatest illumination lies not outside, but within.

Placed in a home, studio, or meditation space, this painting becomes both grounding and lighthearted: a steadying anchor with a touch of humor, a reminder that to be here now is to be alive, fully.

Part of the series "Mantras"

Hubby’s broad range of text-based work in the Mantras series shares the use of positive, aspirational verbiage, which aim to uplevel attitudes and behavior. They are both a physical manifestation and a passive sender of experience dependent neuroplasticity, changing neural pathways through positive reinforcement.

Original artwork by Bettina Hubby 

Rainbow Pencil on Linen

13" x 13"

2023