I’ve observed that it’s not so much what I’m doing, but rather the extent of my presence with it that shapes whether I enjoy it or not. The activity itself may be something boring or something fun, intellectual or practical, difficult or easy—and yet, it’s not the activity itself but how connected and present with it I am that makes all the difference.
I was walking in my local park a few days ago, and in the midst of a section that I find particularly magical, I felt that something was amiss. The depth of experience, the sense of beauty and oneness that would normally arise in me, wasn’t happening. And then I realised why. I was going through the motions. Walking was happening, but I wasn’t there. I was walking to arrive. There not here.
Whenever I catch myself going through the motions, doing life, being without being, without presence—and then look at how I’m feeling, there’s barrenness and emptiness inside of me. A disconnection. Something’s happening, but I’m not there for it to happen to.
Conversely, when I bring my full attention to even the most mundane act, a sense of peace, depth and belonging arises within me. I feel connected, not only to myself, but to something deeper and bigger than myself.
The more present I am, the more my creativity flows, the greater clarity I have, and the less susceptible I am to anxiety and fears.
Presence enables us to move from a state of force into a state of flow, from scarcity to abundance, from fear to trust in life. When we are present, the ego—i.e. the fearful and critical part of our mind—dissolves, and life expresses itself through us. We download ideas, flow, states from our higher consciousness—from the universe that we are.
Cultivating presence is a key component of the work I do with clients. It requires that one the one hand we remove the conscious and subconscious blocks that prevent us from being present and that push our minds into overdrive, fighting imaginary future disasters, or ruminating on the past; and on the other hand, learning and practicing techniques that deepen our state of mindfulness and awareness.
What’s keeping you stuck? What invisible ceilings do you want to break through? Book a discovery call with me to find out if we’re a fit, and if I can help.