The Power of Presence: How "Being Here Now" Transforms Our Lives
Being present is one of those ideas that’s simple in theory but incredibly challenging in practice. In our culture nowadays we’re often physically present but mentally anywhere but here. We might be sitting in a meeting, but we’re thinking about our to-do list. We’re at dinner with family, but our minds are replaying the events of the day or worrying about what’s next. The art of being truly present—both physically and mentally—is something we’ve forgotten, but it’s one of the most transformative things we can do for ourselves.
The Dual Nature of Presence
Presence is a double-edged sword. On one side, it means showing up, being physically there, in attendance. The other side of presence is the more profound aspect—being fully engaged in the moment, mentally and emotionally tuned in to what’s happening right now.
In my work as a hospice chaplain, I see firsthand how powerful this kind of presence can be. I remember sitting by the bedside of a patient who was terminally ill. Her family was present, but you could sense the distraction—some were on their phones, others were lost in their thoughts, not quite ready to confront the reality of what was happening. But in a moment of stillness, one of her daughters reached out, held her hand, and simply said, “I’m here with you.”
That simple act of being present, of acknowledging the moment, changed the entire energy in the room. It wasn’t about doing anything special; it was about being there, fully engaged, fully present. In that moment, time felt like it slowed down, and you could feel the connection between them deepen.
The Practice of "Being Here Now"
The practice of being present—of being here, now—is something all the world’s spiritual traditions emphasize. Whether it’s the Zen Buddhist focus on “nowness,” or the Christian call to “live in the moment,” these teachings all point to the same truth: this moment, right here, right now, is all we have. The past is gone, the future hasn’t arrived, and the only thing we can truly engage with is what’s happening right in front of us.
But here’s the thing: being present isn’t about shutting out everything else. It’s about tuning into what matters most. It’s about listening deeply, not just with your ears, but with your heart. Whether you’re at work, with family, or alone with your thoughts, practicing presence means allowing yourself to fully inhabit the moment without letting your mind wander to what’s next or what’s already passed.
How Presence Transforms Us
So why is this important? Why should we care about being present?
First, presence allows us to experience life more fully. When we’re truly here, in the moment, we’re able to connect with others in a deeper, more meaningful way. In my hospice work, the most profound moments aren’t always the conversations—it’s the silence, the shared presence between people who are simply there for each other.
Second, presence reduces anxiety and stress. We spend so much time worrying about the future or regretting the past that we miss the calm of the present. When you focus on being here now, the weight of everything else starts to lift. You realize that in this moment, you’re okay. In this moment, you’re enough.
Finally, presence brings clarity. When we’re fully present, we’re able to see things for what they are, not what we fear they might become. Whether it’s in a difficult conversation or a moment of decision-making, being present helps us respond from a place of clarity rather than reactivity.
Practical Ways to Be More Present
Being present isn’t something you master overnight—it’s a practice, and like any practice, it takes time and effort. Here are a few ways you can start incorporating more presence into your daily life:
Pause and Breathe: Before jumping into your next task or conversation, take a moment to breathe. Feel your feet on the ground, your breath in your lungs, and remind yourself that this moment is what matters.
Limit Distractions: We live in a world filled with distractions—phones, emails, endless notifications. When you’re with someone, put your phone away. Give them your full attention.
Listen Actively: When someone is speaking to you, focus not just on their words, but on the emotion and meaning behind them. Listen with the intent to understand, not just to respond.
Engage in Mindful Activities: Whether it’s walking, cooking, or simply sitting quietly, practice doing one thing at a time. Immerse yourself fully in whatever you’re doing, and notice the difference it makes.
Being present—truly, fully present—can transform your relationships, reduce your stress, and help you connect more deeply with life itself. It’s not about being perfect or getting it right all the time; it’s about showing up, here and now, with your whole self. Life moves fast, but when we take the time to slow down and be present, we find that the richness and depth we’re seeking is right here, waiting for us.
With Love,
Gene Quiocho
