The power of presence

Bringing presence and conscious awareness to our lives can make a huge difference to our sense of well-being. When we become more OK with the here and now and relax into the present moment, we notice that what we have been feeling most of all is resistance to what is rather than what actually is.

Over our lifetimes, we develop sophisticated ways of blocking and avoiding emotions and situations that appear to threaten our very existence. These situations at one time may have actually been life-threatening. Think of a babe in arms unable to fend for itself. If that baby didn’t grab the attention of its caregiver by crying or cooing, its life was truly in danger. The strategies laid down in early childhood soon become unconscious patterns, destined to be repeated over and over every time we sense a threat.

By bringing these patterns into awareness we can begin to loosen the hold that this fear has on us. 

In a similar way, experiences at any time in our life that evoke discomfort get stored in the unconscious mind as something to avoid. Say for example we get caught in a rain storm without a coat or umbrella and get soaked to the skin. Now each time it rains, we tell ourselves that rain is bad and should be avoided. We physically recoil and resist what is essentially just plain water. When we practice presence, we simply feel the rain without judgement of whether it’s good or bad. We go beyond the resistance and open ourselves to really experience it. How does it feel on the skin? What is its temperature? How does it smell?

How does being present help us? 

Here are just a few ways in which developing presence helps us: 

1. Connection

Presence allows us to truly connect with others on a deeper level. When we are fully present, we give our undivided attention and show genuine interest in the person or people we are with. This fosters a sense of connection and understanding, which is vital for healthy relationships and effective communication.

2. Mindfulness

Presence is closely tied to mindfulness, which is the practice of being fully engaged in the present moment without judgment. When we are present, we are aware of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they arise, allowing us to respond to them in a calm and balanced manner. This cultivates a greater sense of self-awareness and helps us manage stress and anxiety.

3. Authenticity

Being present enables us to show up as our authentic selves. It means being fully engaged and expressing our true thoughts, feelings, and values without pretence or distraction. This fosters genuine connections and allows others to see and appreciate us for who we truly are.

4. Productivity and effectiveness

When we are fully present, we are better able to focus our attention and channel our energy into the task at hand. This leads to increased productivity and effectiveness in our work, studies, and daily activities. By eliminating distractions and giving our full attention to the present moment, we can accomplish tasks more efficiently and with better results.

5. Enjoyment and gratitude

Presence enhances our ability to experience joy and gratitude. When we are fully present, we can savour the simple pleasures of life and appreciate the beauty and abundance that surrounds us. It allows us to fully engage with our experiences and find meaning and fulfilment in the present moment.

So if you want to stop living from a place of fear and start embracing the fullness of your life, get in touch today and see how I can help you.