Episode 52
Embrace the Mess: Permission to Practice Presence
It's totally okay if you're struggling with being present; in fact, that's the main point we're diving into today. Practicing presence can be a messy journey. Our minds often jump to what’s next on our to-do lists or replay moments from the past, making it tough to stay focused on the here and now. I’ve been there too, wanting to stay engaged but finding my mind wandering. The key takeaway? Being present is not about perfection; it's about the gentle act of returning to the moment, and it’s perfectly fine if it feels messy along the way. So, let’s give ourselves permission to embrace this practice together, no judgment attached.
Takeaways:
- Being present is a challenging practice that requires patience and understanding.
- It's completely normal to find your mind wandering to the past or future during moments.
- Embracing the messiness of practicing presence is part of the journey toward mindfulness.
- Remember that presence isn't about perfection; it's about consistently returning to the moment.
- Acknowledging when you’re not present is a vital step in the practice of mindfulness.
- Allowing yourself to be imperfect while practicing presence is essential for personal growth.
Transcript
Hey, this is.
Speaker A:It's okay if bite sized permission slips.
Speaker A:I'm Matt Gilhooley, and today's permission it's okay if you're practicing being present and it's messy.
Speaker A:Be present.
Speaker A:It sounds so simple, but wow, it is hard.
Speaker A:Our minds love to jump ahead to do lists, worries, what ifs, or we get stuck replaying the past.
Speaker A:I've had so many moments where I wanted to be present, but my mind was somewhere else entirely.
Speaker A:During conversations, creative projects, even in moments of rest.
Speaker A:And it's not because I didn't care.
Speaker A:It's because being present is a practice, not a perfect state.
Speaker A:Sometimes being present is noticing that you're not present and gently coming back without judgment, without shame.
Speaker A:It's okay if that practice is messy, and it's okay if it takes time.
Speaker A:So if today you're struggling to stay in the moment, that's okay.
Speaker A:Presence isn't about being perfect.
Speaker A:It's about returning again and again.
Speaker A:So if you're up for it, tell yourself, I give myself permission to practice presence, even if it's messy.
Speaker A:That's your permission slip, friend.
Speaker A:Tuck it in your pocket and I'll see you next time.
