From Absence to Presence: The Journey of Availability

You're in a meeting, surrounded by colleagues, and the discussion is heating up. Everyone's throwing out ideas, and you find yourself nodding along, trying to keep up. But as you glance around the room, you notice something peculiar – everyone seems to be on the same page except you. Your mind is elsewhere, tangled in a web of deadlines, grocery lists, and that embarrassing typo in yesterday's email.

Let me paint you another picture. Imagine you're at that swanky outdoor cafe you've been dying to try. The sun is setting, casting a golden hue over everything, and there's a soft breeze that whispers promises of a delightful evening ahead. You're not alone though – oh no! You're seated across from that friend you've been meaning to catch up with since forever, the one whose laugh could rival a symphony orchestra.

Now, you're ready for some serious bonding, some heart-to-heart conversations that would put therapists to shame. But wait! Hold onto your lattes, because there's a twist. Your dear friend, bless their distracted soul, is more interested in their phone screen than your sparkling anecdotes. Yep, you guessed it – they're in full-on tech zombie mode, fingers dancing on that touchscreen like they're in the middle of a thumb war championship.Sound familiar?

In the midst of the digital jungle, where distractions abound and attention is scattered, we embark on a noble mission – to reclaim the lost art of presence. Our journey unfolds in three stages, each crucial in our quest for true connection and mindfulness.

Stage 1: Recognising Absence

The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned. - Maya Angelou

Recognizing our absence is the first step towards finding our way home – to ourselves, to each other, and to the present moment. In this first stage of our quest, we must awaken to the reality of our digital disconnection. It's all too easy to lose ourselves in the constant buzz of notifications, the allure of endless scrolling, and the distraction of virtual worlds. How to recognise?

• Mindless Multitasking: Are you juggling multiple tasks at once, without giving any one of them your full attention? If so, you might be spreading yourself too thin – and missing out on the richness of each individual experience.
• Phantom Phone Syndrome: Do you feel phantom vibrations or hear imaginary pings from your phone, even when it's not ringing? That's a surefire sign that your digital devices have taken control of your attention – and it's time to reclaim it.
• Zoning Out: Have you ever caught yourself staring into space, lost in thought, while someone is speaking to you? It's a classic case of zoning out – and it's a sure sign that your mind has wandered off to greener pastures.
• Emotional Detachment: Do you find yourself feeling detached or disengaged from your surroundings, even in the presence of loved ones? That emotional numbness is a red flag that you're not fully present – and it's worth exploring why.Remember, it's okay to slip up – the key is to approach each moment with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to grow.

Stage 2 : Cultivating Awareness

Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally. - Jon Kabat-Zinn

By cultivating awareness, we awaken to the fullness of life's tapestry, savoring each moment as it unfolds with curiosity, humility, and an open heart.

Cultivating awareness is like turning on a light in a dark room – it illuminates the beauty of the present moment, allowing us to see things as they truly are. It's about quieting the noise of our busy minds and tuning into the richness of life unfolding right before our eyes.

I want you to close your eyes and take a deep breath. Can you feel the weight of your body against the chair? Can you hear the gentle hum of the air conditioning or the distant chatter of your surroundings? Take a moment to truly immerse yourself in this present moment, savoring every sensation as if it were the first time you've ever experienced it. Embrace the stillness, the simplicity, the sheer magic of being alive in this moment.

But how do we cultivate this heightened state of awareness in our everyday lives?

• The Mindful Mirror: Start your day with a playful twist by engaging in a conversation with your reflection in the mirror. Share a joke, strike a goofy pose, or simply offer a heartfelt compliment. By infusing this daily ritual with lightheartedness and self-love, you set the tone for a day filled with presence and positivity.
• Dance Like Nobody's Watching: Channel your inner child and bust a move to your favorite song – whether it's in the privacy of your own home or the bustling streets of the city. Allow yourself to let go of self-consciousness and surrender to the rhythm of the music. In this moment of uninhibited joy, you reconnect with the sheer delight of being fully alive.
• Gratitude Practice: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by taking a moment each day to reflect on the blessings in your life. Whether it's a sun-kissed sunrise or a simple act of kindness from a stranger, acknowledging the abundance that surrounds you fosters a deeper appreciation for the present moment and all it has to offer.
• Sensory Exploration: Engage your senses in a sensory scavenger hunt of the present moment. Notice the colors, textures, and aromas around you. Run your fingers over the rough bark of a tree or savor the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. By immersing yourself fully in the sensory tapestry of the present, you awaken to the richness of life unfolding before you.With these playful yet profound practices, let's embark on a journey of discovery as we learn to cultivate awareness and embrace the richness of the present moment.

Stage 3: Embracing Presence

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein

Let's choose to embrace presence with childlike wonder and curiosity, finding beauty and magic in the ordinary moments that make life truly extraordinary.

Embracing presence is like receiving a warm hug from a friend you haven't seen in years – it fills you with a sense of comfort, connection, and pure bliss. It's about showing up, not just for the grand events, but for the tiny, everyday miracles that paint the canvas of life with vibrant hues.

Let's take a moment to reflect on the simple act of sharing a meal with loved ones. Picture yourself gathered around the table, the aroma of home-cooked dishes wafting through the air, and the laughter of family and friends echoing in the room. In that sacred ritual of breaking bread together, we're not just nourishing our bodies – we're nourishing our souls. It's a gentle reminder that true presence has the power to transform mundane moments into cherished memories.

And here's the delightful twist – presence is contagious! When we show up fully for ourselves and for others, we ignite a ripple effect that transcends the boundaries of our own lives.

Conclusion

I challenge you to embark on your own adventure of self-discovery. How can you sprinkle a little extra awareness into your daily routine? Maybe it's as simple as savoring that first sip of morning coffee or pausing to admire the beauty of a blooming flower. Or perhaps it's about showing up fully for those around you – lending a listening ear, offering a helping hand, or sharing a genuine smile.

And as you venture forth into the wild and wonderful world of presence, I leave you with this nugget of wisdom from the great Dr. Seuss:

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.

So go forth, my friends, and be unapologetically, unabashedly, beautifully you. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and may your days be filled with laughter, love, and an abundance of presence.