The Power of Presence

We hear it over and over again in the spiritual community: be present. But what does that really mean? Why is being present so important, and what will it actually do for you?

The power of presence is life-changing. Whether you have a list of goals, a vision board of manifestations, or are simply trying to improve the quality of your daily experience. Being present is a tool, but very much could be the answer you searching for.

If you are trying to align with your highest and best timeline, materialize your manifestations, or soak up beautiful moments, how do you expect to do that if you aren't actually present? How do you expect to enjoy life if your mind is constantly stretching toward the future, or stuck in the past replaying scenarios like a never-ending loop?

If you are always focused on what could be, you miss the constant opportunity to align your present self, actions, and thoughts with what you are trying to accomplish. You cannot just daydream about your future. You must be present to see what stands in your way and what action needs to be taken to get you one step closer.

Sitting in the Uncomfortable

Do not be afraid of the current moment, or of what your life looks or feels like right now. You have already worked so hard to get here, so take a moment to appreciate that. Even if you are uncomfortable with your current experience or situation, you are encouraged by the Divine to sit in it. It is simply an experience. Even if you consider it a shitty one.

Ask yourself the hard questions:

• Why do I feel uncomfortable in this moment?

• What do I want to see change?

• What is holding me back from reaching the desired life I am always imagining?

Being present grants you the opportunity to see exactly where you are and where you are heading. With your determination and unfiltered honesty, you can clearly see where you might be holding yourself back. Presence gives you clarity on the now so you know what is needed to push you forward.

Finding Beauty in the Now

Now that we have established that presence gives you clarity and direction, let’s discuss how it grants you a deeper appreciation for life, immersing you into the beauty of your current moment. As I said before, if your mind is always stuck in the past or constantly imagining the future, you will miss out on what is right in front of you.

I will repeat myself: even if your current situation feels uncomfortable, that does not mean you lack the power to sit and appreciate where you are. Maybe the air smells like the meal you just cooked. Perhaps the sun is shining just right through the trees. If you are always worried about the "what-ifs" and "what-could-have-beens," you are missing the opportunity to see the beauty that exists in your life right now. Presence grants you the moment where you get to decide if you are grateful for the passion in your heart, the air in your lungs, and the roof over your head.

News flash! Life is happening now. It does not start once you reach your goal. It is happening in this exact moment, so look around, be present in it, and soak it up. When you are in a cherishable moment but your mind takes a jog toward the thoughts you are always escaping to, you just might miss it entirely. Your soul is here for all of the experiences. You need to be present to lock in the moments you want to carry with you. Doing this will alter your perception of your life and open your eyes to the beauty you are already experiencing.

Training the Mind to Stay Put

Some think it is simple to be present, that it is just a mindless action. Well, that's not true. Not at first, anyway. Teaching your mind to be present takes immense patience. If your mind is used to escaping, you have to actively teach it that it is safe to stay put. You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Everyone has their own technique for grounding themselves into the present moment. My absolute favorite being breathwork. Simple breathwork, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth, helps sync our mind and body. With focus and intention, you can pull your awareness right back into your physical body, your emotions, and the space you are currently occupying. There are times and situations, like driving or working your day job, where it is difficult to sit down, meditate, and anchor yourself. Breathwork is a simple technique you can use at any moment, anywhere. You don’t have to sit still and stare at a wall; simply bringing awareness into your body is more than enough.

There are also moments at the end of the day, or before your morning even begins, where we have a beautiful opportunity to anchor ourselves. We can train our minds to be centered instead of jumping and racing to plan the entire day ahead.

Another powerful practice that grounds your awareness is movement and physical touch:

• Conscious Stretching: Taking time to practice breathwork while stretching and feeling your muscles move reminds you exactly where you are right now.

• Somatic Touch: Slowly rubbing lotion on your legs and arms while focusing on the texture of your skin pulls your mind out of endless mental loops and drops it into immediate, tangible sensations.

  
  

The Power of Pure Observation

Observation is a massive practice in spirituality, from observing your thoughts to tracking your emotions and feelings. But using observation to look at the world around you lets your mind know it is safe to just be. It allows you to disconnect from the pressure of the future or the weight of the past, and simply witness where you are currently sitting, without an objective.

Take time to engage in the Three S’s: Sight, Sound, and Smell. Notice how the leaves on a tree rustle, the specific sound they make, or the scent of a neighbor's garden riding on the breeze. These are all things you can observe without judgment, without a need to take immediate action, and without a goal other than to simply exist.

These are all practices to train your mind to step out of its own loops and be present. Because being aware and in the moment grants you the opportunity to align your present self, your actions, and your thoughts. Take the time to be present in that very opportunity.