Now that we’ve defined what it means to be present, let’s discuss how being present can apply to everyday life. The definition in itself is quite complex because it requires us to define two words with their own independent meanings that when combined, render a whole new significance. To delve deeper, each word has both an intellectual and spiritual meaning. Thus eluding to how being present can be described as a state of mind or feeling through the senses of the body. Because being present is so personal, it is subjective; therefore, how one may define or experience it varies person to person.
The intellectual part of the brain registers, processes and interprets information exactly as taught. Simply put, we rely on the dictionary as well as our education for the definition and explanation of everything. We are then taught that what we learn and read is fact and is not to be questioned or challenged.
However, our spiritual side allows us to experience what it means to be present. I will begin by sharing what I see as viewing something from a spiritual lens. I see the spiritual mind as any mental function that goes beyond the core systems of the brain that deal only with basic survival. Core survival relates to the things that are ingrained in us from birth and serve as instinctual functions to sustain life. You can clearly see examples of this in the animal kingdom where almost all functions are purely based on survival instinct.
What are some things we do that are unrelated to survival? Activities such as music, dance, and art allow us to use our imagination and creativity while expressing ourselves through our mind and body. We are not content with just the basics of survival but have a drive to learn how to make things better and make advancements that influence the future experience of life for all mankind. This is just a small list of ways that make us different from animals. Some may say that these examples are not spiritual but just higher levels of intellectual growth. My belief is that all things we do beyond survival is considered spiritual and not solely related to religion or a higher power. The spiritual mind may also hold values and beliefs that point to life beyond our existence and consciousness and may include religious and mystical ideas. For those who do not connect with religious concepts, I believe that these persons still hold the same moral values that can be defined as spiritual.
With a spiritual mind, we examine life as not just a function of survival but an experience. These experiences have more meaning to us than just surviving and ultimately, drive our love of life and the goals to make our life better as well as those around us.
The intellectual definition of being present is to feel your aliveness through bodily sensations and recognize you are in a certain physical place and time. You are aware of what you are doing and experiencing in the present moment. We can all relate to this simple definition. For example, when you get to work on Monday morning, you know you are alive, where you are and what day and time it is. You can prove this because you wish you were somewhere else and want to fast forward to Friday. The spiritual meaning digs deeper.
Spiritual Meanings:
Being
Connecting with the power of your aliveness
Awareness that there is creative life outside of yourself
You accept the responsibility to care for yourself and all life around you
Present
Experience gratitude through the senses of your body:
What you see
What you touch and feel on your body
The scents in your environment
The sounds around you
The delicious tastes of life
Humble awareness that you are connected to all life around you
Reflective of your thoughts and emotions and respond in a way that supports giving love
The spiritual meaning of being present goes beyond the mental processes that examine what you are experiencing when you are in a specific location at a specific time. Simply knowing where you are and what you are doing is not being present. The big question that defines being present is “what are you thinking about?” Why is this an important question? Because what you are thinking about and more importantly, feeling, can either keep you in the present moment or have you in a daze not aware of anything and in a distracted mental state of mind.
When you are being present, you are only engaged in the current moment. There are no
distractions or irrelevant thoughts. If it is a great experience, you are aware that you are having it because it is real and happening as you live it. If it is a negative experience, you focus on the current event and do not entertain past experiences or future fears. You are aware of your thoughts, and they focus only on what is happening, why it’s happening and what to do to respond appropriately to the situation. When you are in a present state, you are not in survival mode.
To recap, being present is not about thought but experience. We become present through our bodies. Being present is how we engage in the life we have as we live it. We can see life clearly as it is happening.
Start the conversation! Let me hear about your relationship with being present in the comments.
Best of all there is a BEE Present Podcast that posts commentary and information more regulary related to the monthly theme of the blog posts. This channel on YouTube is a great way to give more insights on how to define being present and how it should look in our lives.
Peace and BEE Present!!
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