Presently, Present
The Present of presence is one of the most precious commodities, being present allows you to fully experience and appreciate the current moment.
How many a time are you designated to be actively unengaged (set beach/read time, getting a manicure, out with a friend, sitting outside, and you just can’t not be engaged.)
Whether it’s busy with your phone, checking a social platform, reminding yourself of an item on your to-do.
Focus is finite; when a person talks on the phone while driving, they lose 37% motor focus.
My mechanic recently asked me (all life lessons happen in the auto shop) how my radio is doing, “because that’s all you need, a good engine and a great playlist, but don’t be busy switching songs constantly: it’s not good for the nerves, and even worse for the road, let the songs play out and get lost in the tune.”
I read a statistic that 25% of motor accidents happen as a result of texting, and that texting while driving is 6 times more dangerous than driving while drunk. This means that the level of engagement one is in while texting is greater than that of imbibement.
When you are present, it means you are fully engaged and focused in the present moment, without being preoccupied with thoughts about the past or worries about the future. Here are some benefits of bestowing your presence on yours truly.
1. Heightened Awareness: Being present enhances your ability to observe and perceive your surroundings with greater clarity. You become more attuned to the details, sensations, and beauty of the present moment.
2. Improved Relationships: When you are fully present in your interactions with others, you demonstrate active listening, empathy, and genuine engagement. This fosters deeper connections and stronger relationships.
3. Reduced Stress: By letting go of thoughts and concerns outside of the present moment, you can experience a sense of calm and inner peace. This can help alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting overall well-being.
4. Enhanced Productivity: When you focus on the task at hand without distractions, your productivity and efficiency improve. You can accomplish tasks more effectively and make better decisions by giving your full attention to the present moment.
5. Increased Mindfulness: Being present is a core aspect of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness cultivates self-awareness, acceptance, and non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. It can lead to personal growth, emotional resilience, and a greater sense of contentment.
Overall, being present allows you to fully engage with life, connect with others authentically, and experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and meaning in your everyday experiences.
And these are the “MIA’s” of lack of presence.
1. Missed Opportunities: When you're not fully present, you might miss out on important opportunities, whether they are personal, professional, or social. Lack of presence can prevent you from recognizing and seizing valuable moments for growth, connection, or success.
2. Poor Communication: Being distracted or mentally absent can lead to ineffective communication. You may not listen attentively, misunderstand information, or fail to respond appropriately, resulting in miscommunication, conflicts, or missed connections with others.
3. Reduced Productivity: Lack of presence can hamper your productivity and efficiency. When you're not fully engaged in the task at hand, distractions and scattered focus can impede your ability to accomplish goals effectively, leading to wasted time and subpar outcomes.
4. Strained Relationships: When you're mentally elsewhere during interactions, it can strain relationships. Absence in conversations, lack of empathy, and disengagement can make others feel unheard, unimportant, or disconnected, potentially damaging trust and rapport.
5. Increased Stress and Anxiety: Focusing on the past or worrying about the future takes you out of the present moment and can contribute to heightened stress and anxiety. Ruminating over past mistakes or future uncertainties can create unnecessary mental and emotional burdens.
6. Decreased Well-being: By not being present, you miss the opportunity to fully experience and appreciate the joys, beauty, and simple pleasures of life. It can lead to a sense of disconnection, dissatisfaction, and a diminished overall sense of well-being.
A balanced, fulfilled life is the end game. There’s a time to be on your phone, and a time to be enjoying the view.
Don’t be that person that is so occupied with taking momento pictures for a later date, and actually misses the moment today.
