Presence

"body">hunger, and we need to feel real and respected.
There are two kinds of presence. The one that isThis is global. It's the common denominator of the
a given, when we just are who we are, and thehuman family. The difference is only in style,
one that we become and access by intention.manner and ways of expression.
Becoming present - in this context - is anWe are undergoing major changes globally as well
accessing of our being, amidst distractions andas individually. Technology has enabled us to be
triggers of Self-violation and Self loathing.informed, know, see and hear in our own living
Accepting and loving ourselves in the presentroom what's going on anywhere and at any time
moment accesses our presence. This is the skillin the remotest place in the world. This ability is
that we are developing: how to return to themind-boggling. While it has tremendous benefits,
present of Self-love as fast as possible when wethe lack of communication, sense of isolation and
are in a trance of Self-violating and do it with thealienation so many feel and the global violence and
least amount of stress and fall out. When we areterror we are exposed to compounds our stress
present - we can rest in it, enjoy it, share it, andand exacerbates the feeling of being trapped.
take conscious actions.There is really nowhere to run; it follows us
In the stressed out busy world in which we live,everywhere.
whether you are trying to catch a flight and beingThere is no safe space 'out there' any more.
screened by security in an airport, riding a train inEven in Bali, which was considered a safe haven,
a crowded subway, waiting for a bus, walking inthere was a terrorist attack. The environment is
the street, shopping for food, or in your ownchallenged with global warming. Religiously based
home watching the news -- you can see it on theconflicts and nuclear disasters are threatening our
faces of people, you can hear it in their voices,sense of peace. There is an undeniable darkening
you can feel it in your own Self: stress.of our world. How can we live through these
It's a new brand of stress, of living in the terrorchallenging times authentically, with joy, clarity and
of the technologically advanced, yet uncertaincreativity and without losing ourselves in the
world of the post 9/11, 21st century. It's markedstress of living?
by frustration and anxiety, alienation, resignationWe need to learn to respond to life's stress and
and violence: "There is not enough time. It's toochallenges with calm, reason and awareness. We
hard. It's unsafe. It's humiliating. I feel powerlessmust not give in to hating, judging and bashing
and helpless. Why bother? No one is incharge.(rejecting) the world, life and ourselves. You see,
Whatever." Acting out, acting in, reacting,all loathing is ultimately Self loathing. It is an
retaliating, Self-exhaustion.unconscious trance-like Self destructive dynamic
In the body it feels like restlessness and anxiety.that flares up when we are under pressure.
The chest is too tight to take in a full breath. TheWe need to embrace our full potential by waking
mind is on overload, racing with thoughts.up to living in the present, by recognizing the joy
Struggling with our own pace, we tend to respondof being now. It is a natural gift, inherent in all
by either 'losing it' or shutting down. Being human,humans, and it is our birthright. The power of the
we naturally try to scan our environment forpresent is within us at all times. It keeps us light,
safety. We seek refuge, we need a break, and aloving, joyful and calm.
place to rest. We need food to satiate our