Presence

You know when you are and aren’t present. One of the challenges in living fully in the moment is that so often we’re busy running through our day. Or perhaps that’s just me?

We may be tired and with the thought of slowing down for just a moment to be present, we fall asleep. I do not think it’s just me. We’re just dog-tired.

So what do we need to improve our presence?

First, bring awareness to what you’re thinking about in this moment. Notice if your thoughts are in the past or future. The key to presence is “being” in this moment. The one happening right now. Catch yourself by doing a check-in.

A tip that works for me is to bring my awareness into what I am currently feeling or sensing within my body as well as what I’m hearing and seeing around me. Once I have that awareness, I use that to look at what I was thinking right before I check in with myself. In other words, I am reminded to consider my thoughts – whether noodling in the past or pondering the future. Neither will serve me if I need to be present in this moment. So, this works as a pattern interrupt. When I let go and stop my mind chatter to “sensing” I become present. It’s amazing then what one can pick up.

If I am with people, I bring awareness to their tone of voice and body language. What is the essence I’m receiving from them? What is behind their words that remains unsaid?

Try this step right now. Close your eyes and bring your awareness to what your body is feeling right now then note what is happening in your surroundings for 3 minutes. What are you picking up in this moment?