Presence. How do we get there and how do we maintain that train of thought? Well like anything we desire in our lives, we have to truly want it and be in complete honesty with ourselves. Hopefully I can allow you to see the benefits of being truly present and persuade you to run towards it’s guiding light.
Food just seems sweeter when you are present. Conversation is more fruitful. Memories are more vivid and creativity is more spontaneous. Convinced yet? You see our minds wander, we create expectations. We are always expecting something from an experience or an interaction. Instead we should be taking it in through our senses just as it was delivered. Let’s start with a super simple example. You go to a concert of your favorite band and cross your fingers that they play your favorites. They end up not playing a single one and at the end of the concert you are upset. Being upset, even for just a short moment, will pull you out of the present. By having expectations, you end up just standing in the crowd wishing for your favorite song to be performed when all these other amazing songs are being projected from the band’s hearts purely for your hungering ears. Another example, let’s say you meet thing amazing girl or boy that you are drawn to. Often times we create scenarios and expectations beyond anyone’s reach. We expect ourselves to say the most fascinating or most humorous things to attract attention. This state of wandering in our minds in effect distracts us from the things spoken from the very person we admire. We are no longer paying homage. Be present for every word exchanged, be grateful, and reciprocate the gesture. Once you become truly present with another individual there will be no need to dream of some grand scenario because that interaction will be the most fantastical, wonderful, and memorable experience you could ever have. Absorb every word he or she says to you. Take in their beauty and relish in the moment. By doing this, you will always exceed all your expectations ten fold.
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