Presence
I walked into my office today with a to-do list much longer than I’d like, a very slow computer that took a good ten minutes to “authenticate” my copy of Microsoft Word, and a bit of dread that even though my academic semester is winding down, absolutely nothing else is winding down. At least not of its own accord.
Changes are coming in my life. My mind is oriented to what’s next. I often (mistakenly) think of my to-do list as the tool that will enable me to have an open, calm, taken-care-of future. This is a lie I forget I’m telling myself.
I’ve spoken a lot about presence in this space and in my book, Controlled Burn, but today I’m going to let one of the pros do it. Here’s Patsy Rodenburg doing her thing:
Patsy Rodenburg's "The Second Circle" speaks to the heart of presence. It's about being in the moment, neither withdrawn nor overly assertive, but genuinely here, fully engaged with life as it happens. In the context of Advent, this principle reminds us of the importance of being truly present – not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually – in our preparation for the season's significance.
Meditation
The following may be too weird for some of you. That’s fine. I find going for a fairly long walk, ideally where you can see trees or water, to get me into a present state just as readily as anything I’ll share below.
In the quiet moments of Advent, let's meditate on the essence of presence. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Imagine yourself in a serene place where you feel most at peace. As you inhale, visualize drawing in the calm, grounding energy around you. As you exhale, let go of distractions, worries, and the rush of everyday life.
Envision yourself in a circle of light – this is your Second Circle, where you are fully present, aware, and connected. Feel the energy of this circle; it's neither too intense nor too passive. It's just right, balanced, and harmonious.
Think about recent interactions with others. Have you truly been there, in the Second Circle, listening and engaging wholeheartedly? Or have your thoughts been elsewhere? In this space, give yourself permission to let go of these distractions and fully embrace the moment.
As you breathe in this circle of presence, allow yourself to feel connected to the deeper meaning of Advent. Feel the anticipation and the preparation, not just around you, but within you. Let this sense of presence fill you with peace and purpose.
Examen
Recall a recent interaction where you were fully present. How did this feel, and how did it impact the conversation or the relationship?
Think of a time when you were physically present but mentally elsewhere. What distracted you, and how might this have affected your engagement with the moment and the person?
Reflect on your daily routines. Identify moments where you can practice being more present. How can these small changes enhance your Advent experience and your connections with others?
Consider your approach to the Advent season. How can being more present in your spiritual practices enrich your understanding and experience of this time of waiting and preparation?