BEING PRESENT

Being truly present is quite an art as far as I'm concerned and I think I'm a student of the subject, with quite a way to go. I used to think I was quite good at blocking out things I wanted to avoid thinking about, and this meant I was 'being present' in the moment. 

But that's not the same thing at all.

I've found the fine art degree and some of its associated reading really helpful to arrive at a much more healthy (and simple) approach, which is to be present to, and really observe, the things I don't want to think about, rather than avoid them - to literally sit down for a bit, stare into space and let the thoughts happen. Through that process, a quiet space then descends which allows me to be alive to what's in front of me, figuratively and literally, at that exact point in time.

And that sense of calm clarity carries forward for a while, until I realise I haven't been doing it enough so I do it again.

It's a very relaxing process, and even typing about it now I feel calmer, clearer and much less antsy.

Jem