The Incredible Power of Presence over Mind

A New Context for High Performance: When we are fully present, there is no conversation in our heads, no words, thoughts or concepts passing through.

Aug 13, 2024

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The fact that thoughts take a back seat is the first signpost of being here—in the now-moment. At any given time, we are either inhabiting our thoughts and related agendas or physically anchored in our bodies.

For instance, physical pain brings us back to the reality of the body. Naturally, we try to escape it as opposed to pleasure, which we prefer will last. You could say that presence is a form of pleasure. Often, the strength of our thoughts makes it seemingly impossible to stay in the physical world. That’s only because culturally and socially, we prefer the seduction of ideas to the simplicity of presence. Athletes, for instance, do not have that luxury or pay a dear price.

Presence is localized in our middle to lower abdomen, where we breathe. You can anchor yourself there to center yourself. It is peaceful relative to the fact that thoughts cannot enter the body. Our minds cannot access presence because being present is a body experience.

As a consequence of presence being a physical-only phenomenon, you can begin to feel yourself on the physical level in a completely new way. The process of presence is not unknown to us, we either don’t know what it is or we don’t hang there long enough to become acquainted with its powers.

Once planted in your body as your root center, presence can travel outward by connecting with the room and atmosphere that you are in. From the weight of your body and your breathing, you can appreciate objects, sizes, shapes, colors, temperature, sounds, light, weight, position of your body, postures, facial expressions, movements, etc. It is a physical experience, not a mental appreciation.

Here are potent examples where presence cannot be ignored:

1. Performing Arts

Acting on Stage: When an actor is present, they embody their character authentically, responding organically to other actors and the environment. Presence captivates the audience, creating a powerful shared experience.
Musical Performance: Musicians must be deeply in tune with their instruments. Being present allows them to maintain rhythm and express emotions through their instrument or voice.

2. Public Speaking

Delivering a Speech: A speaker who is fully present connects with the audience. They can adapt their tone, pace, and content based on real-time feedback from the audience, making their message more impactful.
In a Q&A session, presence enables the speaker to listen attentively, understand questions deeply, and respond thoughtfully, creating a genuine connection with the audience.

3. Athletics and Working Out

High-Stakes Sports: Athletes, whether in team sports like basketball or individual pursuits like running, must be fully present to perform at their peak. Presence allows them to react swiftly, make split-second decisions, and stay focused under pressure.
Yoga and Meditation: These practices are centered around being present. The focus on the breath and bodily sensations helps achieve mental clarity and physical alignment, enhancing well-being.

4. Creative Processes

Visual Arts: Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists achieve a flow state when fully present. This allows their creativity to flow without distracting thoughts.
Writing: Writers who are present can tap into a deeper well of creativity. Being in the moment helps them capture nuanced imagery, making their writing more resonant.

5. Therapeutic Settings

Counseling and Therapy: Therapists must be fully present to truly understand how to support their clients: pick up on subtle cues and provide more effective guidance.

6. Everyday Interactions

Deep Conversations: In personal relationships, being fully present fosters deeper connections and understanding. Listening without the interference of your thoughts shows genuine care and respect.

7. Crisis Situations

Emergency Response: First responders, such as firefighters and paramedics, need to be fully present to assess situations accurately and make quick decisions. Presence can mean the difference between life and death.

Conflict Resolution: In moments of conflict, staying present helps individuals manage their emotions, listen actively, and respond constructively, leading to more effective resolutions instead of emotional chaos.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I have learned one elementary truth: people are not their fears, their doubts, or the ridiculous stories running loops in their heads. People are geniuses waiting to explode onto the stage of their destiny. My job is to hand them the match.

I live by a single truth: my brain and body run my life, not my mind. My mind is a precious tool for research, stimulation, creative ideas, and communication with others—not my guide, my guru, my boss, or my friend. Energy inspires me, not thoughts. I wait to move and flow when my instincts kick in. The thinking is in the flow, just like a great wave is always part of the ocean.

I deal in transformation, without apologies. I see people in technicolor. The masterpiece is inside every being. Sometimes I provoke and challenge self-imposed limitations, but my true aim is to nurture, educate, and empower.

Outside of work? I keep my world simple. I cook like a mad scientist, travel to feed my senses, and I play piano. Humor—sharp and unrelenting—is my weapon against the dullness of small talk. I write daily and publish articles about topics that inspire me. I spend countless hours in conversation with my wife, deepening our understanding of life, each other, and the one thing that truly matters: awareness.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I know this: the development of self—especially self-reliance—is the only education that matters, because every decision we make is in fact a direction. It determines the quality of our experiences and their outcome. If there’s a thread that runs through everything I do, it’s this: trust life and trust yourself—it will set you free.

Critical Skills to Empower Your Journey & Light up Your Soul

Since 1989, upon founding the Eric Stone Studio in Los Angeles, I have been coaching professional actors & voice artists, as well as business professionals.

“All Great Outcomes in Life Come from a Paradigm Shift in Perspective.”