The Gift of Presence
“The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of thoughts, plans, and distractions. As a Gemini (Sue) with a naturally active mind, I know this all too well. My mind is constantly buzzing with ideas, shifting from one thought to the next at lightning speed. For years, I viewed this trait as a superpower—a never-ending flow of inspiration and creativity. Yet, over time, I realized that amidst the constant motion, I was missing something truly profound: the gift of simply being.
A Personal Reflection As I deepened my spiritual practice, I discovered that the moments when I felt most at peace and connected were not when I was multitasking or planning my next step, but when I allowed myself to be fully present in the now. The practice of presence taught me to pause, breathe, and immerse myself in the beauty of each moment. It’s not always easy—my Gemini mind still wanders—but I've come to understand that practicing presence is like coming home to myself. It grounds me, offers clarity, and helps me fully appreciate the magic that is already around me.
One of the greatest lessons presence brings is a deeper connection with others. When one is truly present, they can hold space for those around them in a way that creates a genuine bond. This presence fosters a feeling of being seen and heard, for both you and those you share my moments with. It allows you to show up as your authentic self and experience life’s interactions with a sense of depth and authenticity that was once elusive. Through presence, we can have the simplest moments—a shared laugh, a silent walk in nature, or the warmth of a friend’s smile—hold the greatest treasures.
Presence also brings with it a natural slowing down. While my mind's instinct is to move swiftly and jump to the next idea, the practice of being fully here has taught me to savor life’s unfolding. The sunrise, the gentle rustle of leaves, or the rhythmic sound of rain tapping against the window—these moments are sacred when we take the time to notice them. The more I practice, the more I see that life doesn’t have to be hurried to be full; sometimes, the richest experiences are found in the stillness between one breath and the next.
Mindfulness Practice: Anchoring in the Present
Here’s a simple mindfulness meditation to stay present:
Find a Comfortable Space: Sit or lie down in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in, feeling the air fill your lungs. Hold for a moment, then slowly exhale.
Connect with Your Senses: As you breathe, bring your attention to your surroundings. Notice the sounds you can hear, the texture of the seat beneath you, the scent in the air, or any subtle tastes in your mouth.
Observe Your Thoughts: Let your thoughts drift by like clouds in the sky. Acknowledge them without judgment and gently guide your focus back to your breath.
Affirmation of Presence: As you continue breathing, repeat silently or aloud, “I am here, I am present, and this moment is enough.”
Anchor with Gratitude: When you feel ready, bring your awareness back to your body and open your eyes. Take a moment to express gratitude for this practice and for the ability to pause and connect.