Presence is a gift that is always with us. Even to talk about presence - being present – will lead you away from being present. “I will be present” is a thought – about the future. The thought “I am present” is closer – but it is still a thought “about.” When you are fully present there is no thought “about.” Only “isness” exists.
A simple way to be present is to be with something or someone who is present. Since everything (except humans) is present, this is not that difficult. To maintain an awareness of yourself while being present with something outside yourself is the best.
Here are two methods to play with…
The first method is to become conscious of your breathing as you focus on something outside yourself. Something in nature is really good, like a flower, or even a garden. Be with the flower’s presence as you simultaneously maintain awareness of your breath. Don’t label the flower with any names, just be with it. If thoughts arise let them come and go just like the in and out breath. Don’t identify with your thinking. Enjoy.
The second method asks you to be in the center of your head. To find the center, place an index finger on each temple. Imagine a line going through your head, connecting them. Next shift your fingers so one is on your forehead just slightly above and between your eyebrows, with the other finger opposite at the back of your head. Imagine a line connecting them. Now where those two lines intersect, that is the center of your head.
Close your eyes and imagine that point. Imagine yourself as an aware being occupying that space and observing from there. Take 3 long slow deep breaths – watching from the center of your head. On the next breath, slowly breathe your eyes open, remaining the watcher from the center of your head. As you look out, look through your eyes as if they were simply windows to look through. Don’t label anything you see, simply look. Be with what is. Try it with a flower or the garden. With practice anything will do. Enjoy the presence.
When thoughts arise, don’t give them any credence. The mind will try to pull you out of presence. Just allow it to go on as if it’s a radio station in the background that you are not listening to.
With experience of presence, this background noise gradually lets go and disappears.
Be the Present.
-MaxWell
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