The primary element in love is our divine presence. When we are truly present with another person, not distracted or guarded, we open a portal of loving energy that facilitates communication and healing. Presence is having the conscious awareness of what’s happening moment to moment without being caught up in your own thoughts. Looking deeply into another person’s eyes, giving them our undivided attention, and listening with an open heart are all elements of being present. Our divine presence, more than any other aspect of love, answers the basic connection question, “Is that person there for me?” It is in this sacred space of presence that intimacy unfolds.
We’ve all encountered people who are not present, and who have difficulty staying focused. We’ve all had the experience of talking with someone who seemed to be somewhere else, making us feel like we weren’t important to them. To be fully present, we have to show up with our entire being. Share on X And when we do, we experience an overwhelming sense of joy and contentment, with no yearning, aching, dissatisfaction, or neediness within us to distract us from what is happening in the now.
When we encounter a person who projects presence, we may sense a surge of electric current moving through us, feel physically and emotionally at ease in their company as if we have known them for ages, and realize that they have struck a deep chord within our hearts.
To have presence with someone, we must avoid making assumptions, which are likely to break the flow of intimacy. Making assumptions and jumping to conclusions―behavioral patterns rooted in insecurity―shift the focus of conversation from the present to the past or future, and leads to defensiveness and blame. Rather than make assumptions, which is a setup for disappointment, it is far more loving to listen without interruption and ask questions to gain clarity.
To be present with someone we must also refrain from creating stories about our circumstances and instead simply share our experiences. When feeling the need to control everyone and everything, it can be tempting to wrap, like a ball of twine, strand after strand of stories about the past, thinking they reflect who we are. However, they only reinforce our fear-based patterns. We can choose to stop such a pattern, however, and shift our focus to the perspective of our soul, seeing ourselves as the magnificent beings we truly are.
Further, to have presence with another person requires paying attention to what’s going on with them rather than being caught up in our own thoughts and feelings. We can do this by meeting people with a loving gaze and seeing beneath the masks they wear and the facades they create to witness their soul. Even if they don’t acknowledge it right away, they will feel listened to and valued.
When we are present, people feel completely seen and heard. Share on X We listen well, accept others’ points of view, and don’t force our ideas upon others with arguments or debates. We know putting our energy in resistance is futile, and alternatively focus it on peaceful co-existence.
By blessing whatever space we occupy with our divine presence, we become an emanating field of love to others and our world. “
Barb Parcells says
Loved this. Being present in every moment and with every person brings so much clarity and beauty into our lives.
josee says
Fantastic article Debra. Love your clear explanation on being in the now. Showing up with our entire being can prove to be challenging yet so important to master. Thank you for your expert guidance on the matter.
Debra Oakland says
I am married to one of the most present humans I know. I have learned a great deal from watching him. People’s faces light up when he walks into a room or when he runs into people around town. There is a natural ease about people who are fully present. I am present but my mind wanders now and then. My goal is to be 100% present when people are speaking. Thank you for your wonderful article Debra!
Zeenat Merchant Syal says
Love how beautifully you state the gift of being present in the moment here. The effect is truly love ripples 🙂
Pamela Thompson says
Beautiful post Debra! I love the way you describe being present and how it differs from the alternative. I’ve found that it’s sometimes easier to be present with people I don’t know than with people I care about as we have a history. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Warm Hugs, Pam
Andrea Patten says
“To have presence with someone we must avoid making assumptions…” What a lovely and powerful statement. Thank you for posting.
Lea Tran says
Love this, Debra. I like your point about making assumptions – it totally takes you out of the present moment.
Claudia LeBaron Islas says
Such a lovely and important subject Debra. The point I resonated with the most was where you say “We can do this by meeting people with a loving gaze and seeing beneath the masks they wear and the facades they create to witness their soul.” This is exactly what I do in my job to understand the underlying causes of my client’s problems. Is the best way to make them feel important and valued.
Debra Reble says
Yes Claudia I so agree. When we truly see people’s soul, they feel valued and heard. That’s when the real healing begins…much love
Beautiful blog Debra! When we hold the space, be present and allow the other to be as they are; that is love. <3
You do that Lisa just with your beautiful being! Much love
The love you send out in your blog posts is so needed in this world! Thank you!
Thank you Elsie…it’s so needed especially now and we can be ambassadors of love! xo