Feeling pressured to be present?
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If you're not sure why you're on my mailing list, it's likely because you signed up for my course From Heartache to Connection or Emotions Live in the Body in TheraBundle or Lizzy's Christmas Party. If you don't want to receive any more emails from me, just click here to unsubscribe! Hi Reader, We've all gotten the message that being present is nourishing for emotional health, relational connection, and relieving our bodies of stress-- but have you ever noticed that the more you try to be present, the more anxious you get about whether you're being present, and the less present you become? Trying to direct our mind's attention is really difficult, especially while trying to stay afloat within cultures that keep us striving to survive, instead of set up to flourish. Not to mention that not everyone's internal wiring supports self-directed focus and attention. Some folks have the gift of what I'll call "peripheral attention"-- they're constantly noticing all that happens "out of the corner of their eye" so to speak, that others miss. So, my gateway to presence is my body. Instead of focusing on being present, I tune into what my physical senses are experiencing, right here, right now. What am I seeing, hearing, feeling (in the tactile sense), smelling, tasting? Right now, I see the mountains outside my window. I hear my neighbor's excited voice outside. I feel smooth keys under my fingers. I don't detect a scent. I taste water travel my throat and create a pool of coolness in my belly. Using the physical senses you have access to, take just a few seconds to check in with each one. No, you don't need to do this for hours (or even one minute). Just do it for as long as feels good. Little moments of presence! I would love to hear about how you practice presence, and whether this does (or doesn't!) feel right-fit for you. In connection, Joy Welcome to my Free Stuff |
Joy Malek
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