The Relationship Between Presence & Reality

Last time we talked about the fictions that we create to explain our circumstances and how our actions are completely in sync with those fictions. When our actions aren't delivering the outcomes and experience we want, start by examining your current fiction.

Powerful outcomes are the result of alignment between your fiction, the circumstances, and your actions.

This week, we'll take a step back and examine the relationship between presence and reality.

To become conscious of your fictions, start by becoming conscious of what is present in your experience at this moment.

The definition of being present is "existing or occurring at this time or now, current." 

We all layer our fictions on top of the circumstances. Fictions are your way of making sense of what's happening.

But the fictions themselves are never what's actually happening right now.

They are a collection of interwoven stories from your past experiences, culture, movies, TV, ways that your family operated (and their fictions), what you learned from your religious instruction, your education, and everything else that is part of your life and history.

None of that is present right now. Even if this situation is familiar, this moment has never happened before. 

One way to start to know (or at least become aware) that this moment isn't the same as any other moment, is to bring your awareness and your body to the present moment.

When you are present, the circumstances are simply what they are. 

Being present gives you an opportunity to examine your current fiction as a fiction.

This isn't complex, but it isn't easy either. It takes willingness and practice. 

This week, notice when something is stopped or stuck, or sticky and isn't progressing. Also, notice when you have more negativity around you than you want.

In the moment that you notice, pause. Take a breath and become aware. Allow yourself to see, sense, and feel into what's happening right now. Then, notice what fiction you may have been unconsciously telling yourself about what's happening. Remember that your fiction is based in the past. It is not based on what's happening this minute. Acknowledge your fiction as the way your past knows how to make sense of what's happening right now. Our fictions frequently get it wrong -- or don't create powerful actions for us.

Try this presence practice out the next week. Experiment with it. What insights do you have? What do you observe about yourself?

Leave a note in the comment section. I'd love to hear how it's going for you.

Next blog we'll talk about some practices that support you in bringing presence. Practices for being in this moment - in this now.

Have a great week.