Isaac Cherian, Registered Psychologist
Many often say, "Be present," yet when asked to clarify, they struggle. The concept of being present is not bound by time. People often associate it with being "here and now," which can be misleading. The truth is, we are always present; we cannot exist in the past or the future. Have you ever encountered someone who has journeyed to the past or the future and returned to the present? It's an impossibility. Since we can only inhabit the present, what does "being present" truly entail?
Being present does not solely mean being aware of your immediate surroundings. If it were merely about complete awareness of the present environment, then a chipmunk that visits our homes would be the epitome of presence. It's astounding how alert and aware these creatures are in their environment. They are fully present. However, does this mean that being present equates to not thinking about our future or reminiscing about our past through thoughts, emotions, or imagination? This notion might seem limiting to our potential.
My definition of being present is to be at ease with any object of awareness, whether it's the external environment, thoughts, or anything else. It has no relationship with time. Being present is about how you relate to the object of your awareness. If you are fearful, anxious, or experiencing any other emotions that affect your interaction with the external environment, you are not truly present. This limited perspective impedes your ability to perceive the environment as clearly as you would when at ease.
A chipmunk may appear to be present, but it likely isn't at ease when it's in a state of intense alertness, driven by fear of potential danger, such as an eagle swooping down to capture it. Therefore, being present is a state of consciousness—a state where you are at ease with whatever you are aware of. Importantly, it has nothing to do with time.
Being present is timeless, transcending the constraints of past, present, and future. It is a state of profound consciousness where we engage with the world around us with ease, enabling us to perceive its intricacies and nuances more clearly than when burdened by fear, anxiety, or other emotions.
Isaac Cherian, Edmonton
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