Presence
In professional American society, when religious or spiritual topics surface in the workplace, we tend to cringe. I watch people in professional settings avoid talking about religion & spirituality all together. Or, every now and again, there’s someone on the team attempting to get his/her/their colleagues to “see the way.” People are interesting like that.
This week, it’s not my intention to influence your religious or spiritual views, but it is my intention to provoke thought. I recently wrote about misunderstandings and offered three ways to help us diminish misunderstandings. The three steps: 1. Thoroughly listen 2. Be aware of ego 3. Match the appropriate response to the misunderstanding.
At AMC we know the only way to effectively rid ourselves of miscommunication or misunderstandings, is to first practice communication with a clear mind or, presence. This is the part where I talk about spiritual intelligence and managing emotions.
Distractions are all around. Are they not? Research suggests a human’s attention span is about eight seconds, while the goldfish has a nine second attention span. Ouch! Sadly, and personally, this statistic is entirely believable.
Recently, I issued simple mindfulness tasks to my strategic communication students, to induce presence. They were instructed to ditch their mobile devices, complete the tasks then prompted to write about their experiences. In most cases, they couldn’t clearly articulate how the “stillness” made them feel. Some, I believe, weren’t able to achieve presence because they were uncomfortable. At least that’s how their entries translated to me. Let’s start with why.
A 2022 BBC article titled, “People devote third of waking time to mobile apps,” identifies we’re spending an average of five hours per day on our cell phones/mobile devices. It’s like we’re Pavlov’s Dog when our phones vibrate, or a light chime gently sings, or we spot an abrupt burst of light out of the corner of our eye. Sprinkle in the general human interaction that stimulates us throughout the day, and add in the simultaneous chaos that is our churning minds, ticking about past or future events. Wow. I’m overwhelmed just typing that.
It is my honest belief that the majority of us have become conditioned to sensory overload. If our sensual system is off balance, how can we begin to properly process our thoughts and feelings, which equates to our behaviors in communication? How can we see things for what they are, and appropriately communicate?
Some people argue that self-awareness and meditation are too “hippy dippy.” I’m here to tell you, practicing these concepts, is step one in effective communication.
So, let’s make our journey to presence approachable. I’m not asking you to sit on the floor, in the dark and chant, *just yet. The following are three practices you can apply this week to help you become aware of your thoughts and more fully present.
AMC Mindfulness Practice I- Start off by having one meal alone per week. Don’t invite any of your mobile devices. No books, magazines, music, or intentional distractions. Just you and your thoughts. Begin to study any discomfort in your mind or thoughts that race. Begin to see how you process the forced alone time. Are you able to enjoy the flavors of your food? Do you eat abruptly to simply get through the meal, etc.? Make notes, and attempt to remain present with your senses. Study what you experience.
AMC Mindfulness Practice II- Once per day, complete one mobile-device free, self-care ritual. Yes gentlemen, you too. This could mean something as simple as brushing your teeth and making it a point to mindfully identify the flavor of your toothpaste, the sensations and motion of the bristles, bubbles, etc. You can also light a candle, apply a face mask, sit in a comfortable/warm location and keep your thoughts focused on the present moment. Analyze the sounds, aromas, etc., and where your mind takes you. Are you able to achieve presence?
AMC Mindfulness Practice III- Once per week, rain/shine/snow, take a walk with yourself, without headphones or a cellphone. Obviously be safe, but observe all the sights, sounds, smells, and acknowledge the present. Observe how long your mind can remain in the present. When/if the mind drifts, attempt to bring it back to the senses. Are the birds chirping? Is there dew on the ground? Is the sky a cotton candy hue of pink?
An additional practice is to identify 3 things you are grateful for, before you go to bed at night or when you wake up. This means you make a choice to ditch the cell phone and focus on gratitude in the present. What things are you grateful for? Are they surface level? Is your mind able to deeply identity feelings, thoughts, relationships that we take for granted?
When we practice mindfulness, or “presence,” we are truly studying who we are, and in turn, we’re able to more clearly articulate our feelings & emotions, which increases our ability to communicate our thoughts. Our responses are sharper, more diplomatic, and respectful, no matter the topic.
When we know who we are, and mindfully articulate our practices, thoughts and beliefs, we can manage our relationships from a stronger approach, a more communicative approach. I wish you presence and peace this week.
Are you curious about the Anna Michele Communications practices discussed above? Let’s talk. I’d love an opportunity to come in and work with your team. Click here! Schedule your complimentary consultation today. I look forward to meeting you.
Anna Michele Communications, Primally Speaking ,
Anna Michele Bulszewicz
586-202-7554