Blurb It Out: Being Present

We live in a demanding world (read here about the importance of boundaries), and the internet and social media has only exacerbated its demand. And so often, we don't stop and smell the roses, practice mindfulness, be present. Our lives — more likely our minds — feel like they're moving 1,000 miles a minute.

In an effort to demonstrate "being present," I connected with a few friends, coworkers and fellow professionals to understand what it means to be present. Below are some thoughts.

When I’m fully present, I’m in tune with my emotional, physical and mental needs in the moment — as well as my external responsibilities. And I’m able to balance them accordingly.

For me personally, being present means to be fully in the moment and free from the clamor of internal thoughts, etc.

For me, being present means being able to avoid distraction. To be in my current moment, and not getting lost in thought and anxiety about the future or the past. It's also being able to be at peace in my current moment, to be here now and know I can get to the next moment without having to worry — that I can handle whatever comes up. And finally, if I'm with others, being present is giving them my full attention, without getting caught in the distractions of technology or social media.

Being mindful. To count fingers or steps. To name colors I see, sounds I hear, things I smell. I guess the goal is to enjoy the moments you’re in and what is happening around you in that moment, rather than to think about future or past things. I see mindfulness as being present because I find it really hard to be present — I don’t know if they’re actually two separate things.

About Blurb It Out: In a world where our attention is measured in 60-second TikToks or 280 characters, I’m striving to share more of my thoughts in a shorter fashion, or a blurb.