5 Ways To Experience Presence

I recently experienced, The New Warrior Training Adventure on Vancouver Island, an intense weekend of personal growth and initiation for Men. I experienced many deep changes and also emerged from the weekend with a clear purpose statement. My purpose: "I co-create a world of playful connection, by being present to myself and others."  

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Every day since that weekend I have been reflecting and connecting to the following affirmation. "As a man among men, I am present". I can't quite yet put into words the awareness that is surfacing for me, however, as I view our world, I do observe a deep desire and need for presence. I don't have all the answers just yet in regards to presence. My intention is to share what I learn as it becomes clear. To experience presence, is to experience a way of being that we may have forgotten. When we are present, we see and notice things that were otherwise invisible. Presence is about being in this moment, instead of the past or future. Presence connects us to joy, wonder, innocence, curiosity, creativity, possibility and connection. Presence allows us to see our world with fresh eyes. 

Below you will find 5 suggestions, that will give you an opportunity to experience presence. My invitation, is that you simply observe yourself and the world around you as you try these different suggestions. There is no wrong way to do this. Simply notice yourself and what you experience in the process. Also notice your reaction to even reading them. I have purposefully not written what you may experience or what to notice / observe. You will have your own unique experience.

5 Ways to Experience Presence Now

Observe your world ~ find a public place (where there are people around) and just sit for a while. A coffee shop, a park bench, a mall. Without judgement, look for presence in all the interactions around you.

Leave your phone at home ~ If the very thought of that makes you gasp. Try leaving it in the car while you go shopping. Or at least turn your phone off for a while. A good time to do this would be when you are meeting somebody for coffee.

Silent drive ~ The next time you go for a longer drive (20 minutes or more) leave the radio off. Be silent for the duration of the trip.

Eat Silently ~ The next meal you have by yourself or with others, ask that everyone be silent for at least 10 minutes. Afterwards talk about what the experience was like for each of you. 

Spend time in nature ~ I do suggest that you leave your phone in the car for this :-) Either go for a walk or just sit somewhere. Observe your surroundings and the animals.

Please feel free to share what you learned about yourself and your world. I would love to hear your stories and experiences.

Ross