A lot of talk in meditation and buddhism centers around being present. As do teachings in spiritual and self-help books like “Be Here Now” by Ram Dass or “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Toll. But I began to have some questions. How does being present help us? And how do we do it?
As a continuation from my post yesterday, I mentioned that once we realize how little control we actually have over internal and exteral forces, the only thing left to do is to respect their underlying power and be present to what is. But a part of me still wants to grab for control. I do feel peace, acceptance and presence when I give up control , but the power struggle still exists. Another question I have is, how can I reconcile that and rest in being here now?
I think being present is something that can’t be forced. It is a natural resting place for our minds after we have tried everything else. We must understand completely the futility of trying to shape ourselves and our outside world in a way that goes against the grain of reality. We cannot undermine the powerful force behind all things. We can find peace and appreciation for life when we start surrendering our want to force things. But how do we actually be present?
Being present has to do with attention. Our attention can be wide or narrow, bright or dim. I see the attention required for presence as neither too bright nor too dim. It is like a gentle candelight that shows glimpses of reality. It flickers and lights up some corners of our consciousness better than others depending on the moment. It is neither forceful in happy or passionate moments nor drowned out by pain and suffering. It is always there.
Presence does not judge you or others. It only illuminates conscious experience with its flickering light. Do not try to force your way to presence as it is just the natural way of being after having experienced many modes of living. If you are not there yet, don’t worry. You’ll get there when you get there.
With presence I no longer am a stopping point. I let myself and the universe flow naturally. Presence is a natural center and stability to everything going around us. Because it is neither forceful nor extinguishable, it is the truest form of love. It lets things be exactly as they are.
I find myself becoming more gentle, less forceful. It may feel strange and uncomfortable at first for the ego to be unseated. We no longer feel the rush and confidence of the ‘control’. However, what we get in return is peace and healing for our souls. I believe our weary souls eventually prefer peace and healing over the heady highs and dramatic lows persistent in the cyclical battle for control.