Who were you before the world distracted you – does that matter in the process of reclaiming your presence?

This morning, I watched a YouTube video with this question, and it stopped me in my tracks. It resonated so deeply because, like so many others, I’ve noticed how easily I get pulled away from the present moment, how much of my day is spent reacting to the demands of the world rather than intentionally choosing how I want to be.

Mostly with technology, ironically enough, the very technology designed to connect us often disconnects us from ourselves.

But the question took me back. Back to my childhood, to those long, lazy summer days when time seemed to stretch out endlessly. I remember those moments of pure, unadulterated being. Playing in the woods, building forts, drawing with crayons – activities where I was fully immersed in the experience, without a thought for the future or a regret about the past. And it feels like I always had the best time. I felt creative, happy, alive. There was a sense of spaciousness, a sense of wonder. I was simply present.

Do you believe you’re present, too?

This memory highlighted a stark contrast to the reality I often see in my work with clients. When I work with them on reclaiming their presence, most of them believe they are already present. They believe they are focused, believe they are in the moment. They tell me they are, they think they are.

But the truth often reveals itself when I ask them to do something seemingly simple: sit still for five minutes without doing anything. No phone, no distractions, just being with themselves. For many, this seemingly easy task proves to be incredibly challenging. Their minds race, their bodies fidget, they feel antsy and uncomfortable. They can’t even manage five minutes.

Why? Because there is a constant stream of information, demands, and expectations. And so they have to think of the next decisions, projects, deadlines, PowerPoints. A constant, stressful, future-oriented thinking dominates their experience. They’re living in their heads, constantly planning, worrying, and strategising, rarely fully present in the here and now.

Distraction is everywhere

Everything is a distraction. The pings and notifications, the endless emails, the constant stream of information – it all pulls us away from the present moment. But even more insidious than the external distractions are the internal ones. Your own thoughts are likely the strongest distraction of all. The constant chatter, the self-doubt, the to-do lists circling endlessly in your mind – these are the things that truly keep us from being present.

And this absence of presence has profound consequences. It affects our work, our relationships, and our overall well-being and fuels stress, anxiety, and burnout. It robs us of our creativity, our joy, and our sense of connection.

Reclaiming your presence, on the other hand, can be such a powerful antidote to so many of your stressful moments, to so many of the corporate world’s pains. It’s not a magic bullet, but it’s a fundamental shift that can transform your experience of work and life.

Ever tried going back to “just” writing a letter and seeing how that feels?

The power of presence

Presence allows us to connect with ourselves and others on a deeper level. It allows you to be more intentional, more focused, more effective. It allows you to access our inner wisdom, your creativity, and your resilience.

When we’re present, we’re able to:

• Make better decisions: You’re not clouded by worries about the future or regrets about the past. You can see the situation clearly and make choices that are aligned with your values and goals.
• Build stronger relationships: You’re truly listening to others, understanding their perspectives, and responding with empathy and compassion. This fosters trust and connection.
• Reduce stress and anxiety: You’re not constantly dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. You’re grounded in the present moment, which brings a sense of calm and peace.
• Increase creativity and innovation: When you’re present, you’re more open to new ideas, new possibilities. You can tap into your intuition and access your creative potential.
• Find greater meaning and purpose: When you’re present, you’re more connected to yourself and to the world around you. This allows you to discover what truly matters, and to find meaning in your work and your life.

What do you eperience?

So, how do we reclaim your presence in a world that’s constantly pulling you away? It’s not about achieving some perfect state of Zen; it’s about making a conscious choice to be more present, more often.

If your mind is racing constantly, if you feel overwhelmed by the demands of the world, I’d love to work with you and help you experience the difference of ‘what is there, right now in this very moment?’ It’s not about eliminating the demands of life; it’s about changing your relationship to them.

There is obviously no way I can make the amount of work go away, but the transformation in experience can be profound. It’s about finding a sense of peace, a sense of groundedness, even amidst the chaos. It’s about reclaiming your presence, reclaiming your life. It’s about remembering who you were before the world distracted you, and rediscovering that sense of creativity, happiness, and aliveness that resides within.

Connect with me over LinkedIn.