The Power of Presence: Savouring Each Step Before Taking the Next

Life often invites us to pause, to take things one step at a time, yet in the rush of our days, we can miss the richness of each experience. Sant Kabir’s verse, “Until you have tasted it, do not forget; Until the water arrives, do not drink,” serves as a reminder of the value of immersing ourselves fully in each moment. It’s about practicing patience, savouring each experience, and allowing ourselves to fully connect with what’s in front of us without the urge to rush to the next.

This philosophy offers a beautiful lens through which to view our life choices. Often, we desire results instantly, seeking fulfillment before fully experiencing the journey. Sant Kabir’s wisdom reveals that true joy isn’t found in hasty conclusions but in living fully in each moment. It’s not about accumulation but about allowing each experience to naturally unfold, whether it be joy or sorrow. By embracing this approach, we find that the water we thirst for—the answers, insights, and resolutions we seek—comes to us when we’re ready.

Understanding the Practice of Patience in a New Light

Sant Kabir’s words ask us to let go of the need for premature conclusions. Instead, we are encouraged to understand our current reality deeply, to fully “taste” the present experience before moving on. In spirituality, this approach signifies being in harmony with natural rhythms and respecting each season of our lives. By holding back our immediate reactions or decisions until we have truly engaged with our current experience, we allow clarity to emerge naturally. It’s about knowing that answers, like water in a desert, arrive when they’re meant to.

Shifting Focus from End Goals to the Path Itself

There’s a tendency in modern life to live by deadlines and end goals. But Sant Kabir’s wisdom invites us to shift our focus toward engaging with the path itself. Every step along the way has its own essence, a unique “taste” that we miss when we’re too focused on the outcome. The path of spirituality teaches us that the destination is secondary to the insights gained along the journey. By allowing each moment to unfold naturally, we start to realize that the journey itself is the goal, full of meaning and understanding that shapes us in ways we cannot predetermine.

The Toolkit for Savouring the Journey

Here’s a practical toolkit inspired by Sant Kabir’s wisdom to help you embrace each moment fully and move away from the pressures of instant gratification:

1. Engage Deeply with the Present When faced with a situation, ask yourself: "Am I fully here?" Practice bringing your full attention to your surroundings and observe them without judgment. This engagement helps you experience life fully without rushing to conclusions.
2. Pause Before Acting Before reacting or making decisions, take a brief pause. Observe how the experience feels and what it brings to the surface emotionally. This approach can be especially helpful in challenging moments, allowing you to respond from a place of clarity and presence rather than impulse.
3. Practice Mindful Breathing Use breath as an anchor to ground yourself in the present. Take five deep breaths whenever you find yourself overwhelmed or eager for something to end. This practice centers your mind and body, helping you stay in the moment.
4. Set Intentions Rather Than Expectations Begin your day by setting intentions instead of attaching yourself to specific outcomes. Say, “Today, I intend to experience fully whatever unfolds,” and hold to it. This openness allows each experience to reveal its purpose in its own time.
5. Reflect on Each Experience At the end of each day, reflect on moments you felt fully present. Ask yourself what these moments taught you and how they contributed to your growth. This exercise helps reinforce the practice of savoring each experience, reminding you of the beauty in the process.
6. Create a “Joy Journal” Each day, jot down one moment where you felt fully alive or at peace. Over time, this journal will become a collection of memories that reveal the richness in the “ordinary” and keep you rooted in a mindset of appreciation.
7. Release Control Over Timing Remind yourself that not everything can be controlled. Some things need time, like water flowing toward the shore. Whenever you feel the need to rush, gently remind yourself that patience is part of the process.

Relatable Reflections

Imagine preparing a meal, each step taken with intention. As you chop vegetables, season spices, and stir with care, each action builds upon the last. If you rush to the end, focusing only on the meal, the experience loses its richness. Sant Kabir’s wisdom is like this; it’s an invitation to enjoy each step fully, to immerse ourselves and find fulfillment in the present, knowing that each moment prepares us for the next. In this way, we align our lives with a gentle flow, a mindful presence that transforms our days into a series of deeply meaningful experiences.

By embracing this way of being, you will find that what you seek—the ‘water’ Sant Kabir mentions—arrives effortlessly when you are ready. This approach brings depth to relationships, work, and self-awareness. It’s an invitation to take each experience for what it is, unfiltered by the rush to reach the end.