The power of presence

When was the last time that you were present where you were? I mean, intentionally present. Can you remember?

It is so common nowadays to be in the past, worrying about what it was, or in the future, worrying about what it may be, that we no longer experience the gift of the present.

Being present is the best gift you can give yourself. It opens up so many possibilities. It sounds simple: be present. Yet, reality is here, and it presents its own challenges.

Recently, a client mentioned that she got hurt at the gym because she was not present. So often, we are not where we are. Nowadays, the myth of multitasking fascinates me in our remote world. We attend a meeting and check our messages, create a presentation, or do any other task simultaneously. Even in one-on-ones, I have witnessed many people multitasking.

Outside work, we follow similar behaviors, such as staying on social media, phones, and many other distractions.

Again, being present is the best gift you can give yourself, and consequently, it is the best gift you can give someone else. Magic happens when you are present, creating space for opportunities and insights.

Staying where you are comes with practice; it is like a muscle. It is an illusion to think we will be present 24 hours a day. With our busy lives, it is more realistic to acknowledge and celebrate the moments of presence. Acknowledge the moments we are not present and come back to presence. The more we are aware, the quicker it becomes to return to the present moment.

Presence is the first step to flow, which I like to describe as a state in which time and space disappear. We are so immersed in the activity that we no longer feel time passing; we are just there, usually in our zone of genius and doing our best work.

If you are beginning your journey of presence, start where you are. Awareness is the first step. Notice without judgment where you are. Just noticing that you are not present is a win. Many people will never come to this realization.

There are simple ways to practice it. At the beginning of my journey, I remember an instructor explaining the concept of active meditation. At the time, it was inconceivable that I could meditate for an hour. The instructor mentioned that reading a book and exercising could be meditation, as I would be present. This changed my whole world. It simplified in a way that sounded possible, and from there, I started.

I am well aware of the reality and we may not stop all multi-tasking completely. Again, awareness is the first step, and if you do, you do it from a conscious state. You may even think, “I am checking my messages as this meeting is not as important.” the question may go deeper: should you even attend such meetings? Be bold, be intentional.

As a leader, you can lead by example. Please be present in your one-on-ones. Your employees will feel respected and appreciated. I can guarantee that the messages on your collaboration platform can wait (unless you are a doctor, in which case, a minute may be the difference between life and death).

I invite you to start with what is easiest for you: reading, exercising, cooking, writing, dancing, painting, playing a musical instrument, playing with your kids, walking your dog, etc. If you want an extra challenge, try being in a work meeting without multitasking. Unknown feelings may arise from it; be ready for awareness.