Written by: Jennifer Byrne, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Presence is the foundation of connection. Presence is mindfulness. Presence is bringing your whole self to a conversation. Presence is deeply rooted in a strong sense of awareness.
Believe it or not, it is always available to us. Think of a recent conversation you had with a friend or loved one – were you really present? Can you get through a conversation and not say a word? Ignore an incoming text? Hear or listen?
Being aware of what is happening in the present moment in a balanced and non-reactive way is a true presence. It is inviting, gives others space, and opens the door for engagement.
Presence = Connection. Check-in with yourself. Are you being mindful or mindless? Presence is work. I know what you're thinking...more work? What? Presence moves from the mind to the body. When you feel you want to react, take a pause, let it pass, and return to presence.
Take note and investigate what happens when you lose presence. How can you refine your speech, thoughts, emotions, and perceptions? Presence takes practice. Mindfulness at the moment is not so hard. It is about sustainability. According to Oren Jay Sofer Say What You Mean: A Nonviolent Approach to Communication1, you can...
Connect to presence by:
Slowing Down
Breathing
Being in nature
Enjoying the sunshine
Touch
Disconnect from presence by:
Stress
Feeling tired
Being hungry
Rushing
Fear
Patience
Perceived threat
Becoming familiar with your disconnectors will allow you to build connections with a greater presence. For me, I lose presence when I am rushing or feel stressed.
Take some time to discover your connectors and disconnectors to your presence. Make a list. You may be surprised at what you find.
Jennifer Byrne, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jennifer Byrne is a certified life and career coach. She helps her clients overcome the fears that are holding them back, increase confidence levels, discover their life’s purpose, and achieve greater levels of energy to reach their full potential. Jennifer’s message to her clients is “Follow Your Inner Compass.”
With more than a decade of experience in organizational development, coaching, and mentoring in both corporate and non-profit environments, Jennifer brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her coaching work. Jennifer earned her B.S. from Monmouth University and pursued advanced degrees, including her MBA and M.Ed. She is certified as an Energy Leadership Master Practitioner (ELI-MP) from the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) and holds an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation. Despite the demands of her career, Jennifer makes time to be involved with community and professional organizations. She is a member of ICF Global and local ICF NYC chapter in which she actively participates on the Member Engagement and Social Outreach committees.
Jennifer lives in Ocean County, NJ, with her husband of 14 years and two dogs. When not working, she loves to explore the outdoors.
References
1. Sofer, O. J. (2018). The power of mindfulness. In Say What You Mean (pp. 27–28). Shambhala Publications.
