Experimenting with presence
I did an experiment the other day…
The other day I went out for a croissant to treat myself. I decided not to take my phone since the cafe was only a few blocks away. I didn’t need it.
As I walked into the cafe there was a long line. I took a few deep breaths and got present. I chose not to bring my phone for a reason, this is all just calling me to be present.
As time went on, I noticed how difficult it was. I kept having this feeling every so often of boredom, of wanting to be entertained. I realized how much my phone is a distraction. A distraction from being present. I noticed how easily my mind would wander and I’d keep thinking of to-do lists and wanting to write it down but not having my phone or a notebook to do so.
It was such a reminder of presence for me. I observed how others interacted, how the juices were being made and how the baristas were hustling to get hot coffee concoctions to guests. I noticed how impatient I got waiting for my juice and croissant. I noticed how anxious I still feel being in areas with other people given our current pandemic life. I noticed how much distraction there is in world that pulls us away for ourselves.
Being present allows us to notice. To notice the subtleties around us and within. Being present allows us to connect with ourself and listen to our own thoughts, feel what’s really going on with us, and be able to listen deeply to our inner knowing.
Presence is an aspect of the divine feminine, an energy and aspect in our world. When we’re present we can really hear what’s going on all around us to hear what we know true for ourselves.
I’ve been practicing presence through meditation, no TV at night, getting out in nature, turning off phone notifications. My favorite practice is having morning stillness time where I sip my tea and look out the window. It’s my time with me, my thoughts, and my higher self. It’s allows me to notice more within me and out in the world, finding a place of compassion through each moment.
How do you get present in your every day life?
