Keeping the water hot when the tap is on: How to be present in the here and now

Living and working in uncharted and uncertain times has heightened anxiety levels and brought worrisome stories about the future. Fears, concerns, worries and frets abound. The list takes shape in a myriad of ways from loss of job to loss of health. Conversations with friends and family draw us into other patterns of thought. Our brains become overloaded with the maybes, the what could bes and the what ifs.

These varying emotions take us out of the moment and into a future that has yet to be written. We’re left detached and often isolated from others. Being in the present feels truly out of reach.

When you become present, magic happens

Being present requires being in the here and now. It can manifest itself as being mindful. It can be a moment of reflection, being with another person, noticing the sun, the grass or even the walls of your room. There are no other distractions, except the experience of the present.

Acknowledging the here and the now creates room for yourself to simply “be.” It is a call for peace and what follows is a “spark.”

Being present opens an invitation to be in relationship – to yourself, to others and to the current circumstances. Relationship offers a space for others to speak, to share and even opens the door to the possibilities of a brighter, envisioned future.

Getting present in the here and now

To be in relationship to another requires knowing yourself. No stuff. No distractions. No concerns about what could become. Not an easy task.

What things allow you to get present? Perhaps it’s meditation, gardening, yoga, running or baking? For some, it’s just a glance at the sky and the clouds. Anything that will quiet your mind and settle its chatter.

JMJ practices what is known as a check-in at the start of a meeting. This is the act of inviting another to share and to clear what’s on their mind, so that they might be present for the discussion. This practice not only builds relationship, but also offers a space to “let go” to be productive and engaged in the moment.

Why not be in the present now? If you seek the peace of the present, below is a short practice you might employ:

• Close your eyes. If you are sitting down, uncross your legs. Lie on the floor, if that’s what’s more comfortable for you
• Take a moment to feel what’s supporting you. Notice the connection between you and the earth. Notice what that’s like. Notice any smells in the room. Don’t look for them. Just notice. Be an observer
• What do you feel? Move from your head, going slowly down your body. If you get distracted by thoughts, that’s okay. Let them go and come back to your body
• Start to notice your breath. The naturalness of it. If you find yourself distracted, just let that go and come back to your breath
• Allow yourself to come back slowly. Open your eyes if they’re closed. Look around the room

Hopefully you found calm in the moment. Connection, care, a clearing. It’s a magical moment of renewal and a beautiful thing to watch from within, much like art.

JMJ works with clients around the world, transforming cultures to unlock human performance.

Contact us today to learn how we can help your organization or project transform, creating a thriving culture and business.