Being Present in Your Life.
Understanding the concept of being present took me considerable time. Over the past twenty years on my spiritual journey, every guru, workshop, retreat, meditation teacher, therapist, coach, and book emphasized the importance of the present moment—the now. This ‘now’ seemed full of potential yet elusive, like an inflatable figure sustained solely by breath.
Early on my journey, I attended a six-day silent retreat to find that inner space devoid of mental chatter. There, I reconnected with my inner child. During breaks, I often found solace at a nearby playground, swinging gently and breathing deeply. I felt free, moving with the wind like a delicate flower yearning to touch the sky, rising higher because the moment invited it.
Summarizing my journey to freedom in one sentence: it has been profoundly challenging. Freedom from self, societal expectations, dogma, and false narratives spoon-fed to me as a human and as a woman, urging conformity. Some of these narratives aimed to protect me; others stemmed from ignorance, wrapped in a thin layer of allure yet transparently confining. Despite others’ insistence on accepting this shiny gift, I felt trapped by its presence, unable to refuse or open it.
Delving deeply into personal growth and freedom, and working with clients, inspired me to expand my knowledge and capacity to hold space, love profoundly, and channel the wisdom within me to serve others. I’ve come to understand that while our paths differ in content, we all walk the same journey. We are souls and individuals meant to be free, to experience joy and love. The challenge isn’t learning to love but understanding what has made us fear and avoid it.
Being present is a natural gift we possess. What has diverted your attention, intention, and love from simply being here?The narrative that unfolds from this question is both complex and profoundly simple. Perhaps you were never taught to be present with yourself, or if you were, it required proving your worth through insightful words or relentless pursuit of the next achievement, hoping for a glimpse of love once deemed valuable.
Connecting to the present moment naturally disengages us from the ‘monkey mind’ and the anxious rat race, grounding us and fostering a sense of fullness and health. We become attuned to our needs, align with our creative flow, and become available to connect with our environment.
Being present begins by reassessing the values instilled in us, embracing those that align with our true selves, and releasing others that keep us chasing elusive dreams.
Self-Awareness Practice:
When making decisions, ask yourself: Does this bring me closer to my true self or distance me from who I truly am? Take a deep breath and let the answer emerge. This inner guidance, your intuition, knows your deepest secrets, pains, and the path to your authentic life.