In a world that often feels like it’s spinning faster with each passing day, the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle rings true:
“Most people treat the present moment as if it were an obstacle that they need to overcome. Since the present moment is life itself, it is an insane way to live.”
This profound insight opens a gateway to understanding why true change only happens in the present.
The Past, Future, and the Elusive Present
Human beings have a peculiar relationship with time.
We reminisce about the past and dream about the future, often neglecting the present. This is particularly evident in our personal transformation journeys. We either cling to past glories or become anxious about future uncertainties.
We desire immediate results. However, this mindset entraps us in a cycle of impatience and dissatisfaction, blinding us to the opportunities and lessons of the present moment.
Consider my personal experience with recent (and unexpected) shoulder surgery.
A Personal Anecdote: From Deadlifts to Dumbbells
After my shoulder surgery, my instinct was to focus on my past achievement of deadlifting 247 lbs. The fear of not regaining my strength and the anxiety of aging clouded my perspective.
This is a common scenario where clients might feel stuck, anchoring themselves to past successes or fearing future failures.
However, I chose a different path. I embraced the present, starting my rehabilitation with 2lb dumbbells. Swallowing my pride, I accepted my current state, not as a sign of weakness, but as a step towards recovery.
This shift in mindset, from living in the past or future to being fully present, was transformative.
Presence and the Enneagram’s Three Centers of Intelligence
The Enneagram, a powerful tool for self-understanding and transformation, emphasizes three centers of intelligence: thinking (head), feeling (heart), and instinctive (body). Being present involves harmonizing these three centers.
The Head Center: Clarity and Focus
The head center is about clarity of thought and focus. To be present, we must engage our minds in the here and now, acknowledging our thoughts but not getting lost in them.
This center encourages logical thinking and planning. By being present, we use this center to assess our current situation realistically, setting achievable goals.
Let go of any stories we are telling ourselves – because they are not the truth.
The Heart Center: Emotional Awareness
The heart center is the seat of our emotions. Being present means acknowledging our feelings without letting them overpower us. It’s about feeling each emotion as it comes but not holding onto it.
Our feelings are like clouds in the sky, they keep moving and will dissipate.
Presence allows us to acknowledge and process our feelings, understanding how they influence our reactions and decisions.
The Instinctive Center: Physical Sensation and Action
Finally, the instinctive center is about being in tune with our body and actions. It’s about listening to our physical sensations and responding appropriately, not out of habit or past conditioning.
I began my rehab by showing up and working out a little each day. Moving my body even when it hurt and I didn’t feel like it.
Why Presence Matters in Change
Being present aligns these three centers, creating a state of balanced awareness. In this state, we’re more adaptive, resilient, and open to change. We’re not weighed down by past failures or intimidated by future challenges.
Instead, we’re attuned to the possibilities of the present moment. We are curious and open.
Being present enhances our capacity to navigate change effectively. It allows us to:
- Acknowledge Reality: Accepting our current state is the first step towards meaningful change.
- Learn and Grow: Presence turns every moment into a learning opportunity, fostering personal and professional growth.
- Reduce Anxiety: Focusing on the now diminishes worries about past failures and future uncertainties.
- Enhance Decision-Making: A present mind is a clear, more rational mind, leading to better decision-making.
- Embrace Flexibility: Being present makes us more adaptable and open to new possibilities (physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually).
It was about embracing each moment of my recovery, learning from it, and growing stronger – one day, one lift at a time.
Cultivating Presence
To increase our capacity for presence, we must regularly engage and balance our head, heart, and instinctive centers.
This can be achieved through mindfulness practices, reflective journaling, emotional awareness exercises, and listening to our body’s signals.
Increasing Presence: Practical Steps
- Mindfulness Meditation: This practice trains the mind to focus on the present, helping to balance the head center. These practices help quiet the noise in our heads, allowing us to focus on the present.
- Emotional Reflection: Regularly check in with your feelings. Why do you feel a certain way? Is it a reaction to the present, or is it a shadow of the past or a fear of the future?
- Body Awareness Exercises: Activities like working out, walking, yoga or tai chi enhance our connection with our physical selves, aligning the instinctive center.
A recent study on social dance, proved that if you move your body before learning your retention rate of learning is improved by up to 70%. Movement is essential for learning and growth.
The Power of Now in Managing Change
Why does presence help us deal with change more effectively?
Because change is a constant, and it happens now. When we’re present, we’re fully engaged with the reality of our situation. We’re not clouded by past regrets or future worries.
We’re in a position to make decisions and take actions that are informed, balanced, and responsive to our current needs.
The Journey Continues
Change, as I learned through my rehabilitation journey, happens one step at a time. By being present, we not only face change more effectively but also discover our true potential.
Change is a journey that unfolds in the present.
By being mindful of our thoughts, in tune with our emotions, and attentive to our body’s wisdom, we can navigate this journey with grace and strength.
We learn to live not in the shadows of our past achievements or the uncertainties of the future, but in the rich, transformative now.
Let’s not treat the present moment as an obstacle but as the path to genuine transformation.
By guiding these individuals towards self-awareness and healthier coping mechanisms, we can help them find a more balanced and fulfilling way of engaging with the world around them.
Do you recognize this behavior in your clients or perhaps yourself?
Reach out if you would like to chat and explore this blog in more detail with me.