Being Present
I am listening to a Life Balance CD set right now and the topic that has been of most interest to me is the concept of Being Present.
So, let’s talk about what it means to be present.
The examples given were things like:
- Can you listen to someone talking and when they are done you realize you did not hear a word they said?
- When you are in a conversation, are you busy thinking over what the other person is saying so you can plan what you will say next?
- Do you drive home from work, arrive at your house and absolutely not recall the actual drive home?
Personally, I have been through so many traumatic life events in the past two years that I’ve been cored out emotionally. Being present for me is about even more than focus right now. It’s about connecting with me, my surroundings and those around me. I have taken on an edge of apathy that I want to cut through and discard.
I actually cultivated a disconnect after my divorce. I cut off thoughts, tucked them away and refused to linger. I did not resolve the thoughts. I just trained my mind to unfocus on the issue and ignore. I cut off emotions and I refused to let myself care about certain things after I while. Too much hurt was barraging me from all angles.
No more wandering thoughts. No more racing mind and disconnects. This is my immediate goal.
I’ve been through times of disconnect, related to being hurt really bad. Even now, I have to work to focus on things. I used to try and notice something new every time I rode the bus.
The worst example of lack of focus is when I am thinking of what to say next while I am “listening” to my friend
I am so stoked to hear this!
It’s been a rough patch for you and I can relate to wanting to disconnect.
Having been through my share of emotional upheaval,I can tell you that it’s better to be present. Note that I didn’t say it’s ‘easier’.
It’s just better. You don’t feel like you’re sleep walking.
It takes time to cultivate this, believe me.
Disconnecting is a defense mechanism that is in our DNA. Choosing to be here and now in the here and now grows easier over time.
I’m really quite proud of you and supporting your decision to come back to the five and dime, jimmy dean, jimmy dean.
(you can be cher in this version if you wish)