After we awaken, sensing the first quiet messages from within, we begin to understand every person, even those we do not know, is intimately connected.

With this understanding, we now realize it matters not if someone is family, different from us, or complete strangers. We are all one, related, brothers and sisters, alive to selflessly help everyone in their journey through life.

I wrote a research-based explainer that looks at future-oriented thinking, personally meaningful goals, mind-wandering and regret. The findings suggest that being present and planning for the future aren't necessarily opposites.

I myself don't make detailed long-term plans. I tend to let ideas sit in the back of my mind, sometimes for months or years, and come back to them when the timing feels right.

But is that actually a good way to approach life, or would I be better off making clear plans? And if you do make clear plans, do you sacrifice something along the way?