The Elusive Nature of Presence

In a recent gathering of Rebels, the topic of presence took center stage. What does it mean to truly be present in the moment, without worrying about the past or future? It's a simple concept, but one that often eludes us in our busy, technology-saturated lives.

The discussion kicked off with a sobering realization - for many of us, there are precious few moments when we feel fully present. Our minds are constantly pulled in different directions by thoughts of upcoming meetings, lingering regrets, and notifications lighting up our phones. We live in a state of continuous partial attention, never fully engaged with what's right in front of us.

The Gift of Being Present

But when we do manage to access presence, it's a game-changer. One Rebel described the experience of presence as infinitely rich and lush. By letting go of rumination about the past and anxiety about the future, we open ourselves up to the fullness and vibrancy of the present moment. Suddenly, mundane activities like washing dishes become sources of pleasure and even bliss.

The Challenges of Cultivating Presence

Of course, embracing presence is easier said than done. Old habits die hard, and we're up against deeply ingrained patterns of distraction and multitasking. One Rebel shared how, after years of nonstop hustle, he found that his mind was constantly "redlining" at maximum RPM. Only by consciously disconnecting and creating space could he start to downshift into a more present state of being.

Strategies for Cultivating Presence

So what can we do to cultivate more presence in our lives? A few key themes emerged from the discussion:

Start by Noticing

Many spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of simply observing our own state of presence (or lack thereof). By bringing awareness to the moments when we're lost in thought or distraction, we create the opportunity to gently redirect our attention back to the here and now.

Make it a Practice

Like any skill, presence is something that grows stronger with repetition. One Rebel shared how he made a habit of centering himself before opening doors, using that physical threshold as a reminder to arrive fully in the present. Over time, these small moments of practice start to add up.

Embrace Discomfort

For some, slowing down and being present can paradoxically trigger anxiety or even panic. When we're used to operating at a frenzied pace, truly inhabiting the moment can feel uncomfortable, even threatening. The invitation is to lean into that discomfort, letting ourselves settle and find the richness in experiences we might otherwise rush past.

Create Conducive Environments

Let's face it, some environments are more presence-friendly than others. Surrounding ourselves with people and places that support our intention to be present can make a huge difference. When we're in an environment that feels aligned with our values and desires, presence arises much more naturally.

The Choice is Ours

Ultimately, the gift of presence is available to us in every moment - it's just a matter of if we choose to unwrap it. By making that choice again and again, we open ourselves up to a life of greater depth, connection and ease. And we may discover that slowing down doesn't mean sacrificing productivity or meaning. To the contrary, it infuses everything we do with infinitely more substance and joy.

Too often, we postpone presence in the pursuit of happiness. But when we truly start showing up for the infinite now, we find that happiness has been here all along. Why chase fulfillment in an imagined future when we can access it right here, right now?

A Challenge for You

So here's a challenge for you, dear Rebel: where can you inject a little more presence today? Can you offer your full attention to someone who needs to be seen and heard? Can you carve out a few minutes to simply be with yourself, minus the usual distractions? Start small and see what unfolds. The present moment is a gift that's yours for the taking - don't wait to start unwrapping it.

PSST… Want to join our next Soul Mixer? Join us in The Brilliant Rebellion!

The Rebels meet regularly to explore life's big questions, share wisdom, and remember that we're all just cosmic beings trying to figure out this human experience together. Stay tuned for our next gathering, where we'll dive into love stories and explore the art of using our erotic energy (we like to dive into the taboo and topics that we all want to hear about but don’t have a forum to discuss openly).