Being present is often misunderstood. It’s not a mere matter of living for the fleeting moment, chasing after transient experiences, or constantly seeking new sources of inspiration. It transcends the superficial. True presence is about cultivating a deeper, more profound connection to the current moment, to the quietude that resides within, and to the expansive field of awareness that surrounds us. It’s not a frantic grasping, but a gentle settling into what is.

Years ago, during a trip to my grandmother’s remote hometown in the serene landscapes of northern Finland, I experienced this firsthand. I’ve never been one to compulsively capture every passing experience with a camera, but something about the atmosphere of that particular moment compelled me to document it. There was a sense of tranquility, a stillness that resonated deeply.

So, I set up my trusty tripod, engaged the self-timer, and made my way to the water’s edge. The first attempt, while technically successful, didn’t quite capture the essence of what I was feeling. It lacked the genuine expression of that inner peace. So, I did it again. But the second time, the result was different. It was authentic, a true reflection of the moment. (Although, I must admit, the lighting wasn’t quite as perfect as I had initially envisioned).

Profound presence

It was a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. A moment of profound presence. And perhaps the vastness of the sea, with its endless horizon stretching out before me, amplified this feeling of spaciousness. The sheer scale of the landscape seemed to mirror the boundless quality of presence itself.

Being present isn’t something you can simply declare or force. It’s not a matter of mentally asserting ‘I am here.’ It’s a lived experience, a state of being that unfolds organically. It’s about observing the spaciousness of the moment, witnessing the ebb and flow of thoughts and sensations without judgment. It’s about recognizing the stillness that underlies the constant movement of life.

And it has the potential to ignite possibilities when you are not limited by past experiences, regrets, shame, insecurity or any future fears.

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