Presence

Intentional undistracted mindfulness - Costa Rica

Life is not defined by a single event, but by a series of moments—big and small—that shape who we are. While we often wait for that one defining milestone - graduation, a promotion, a wedding, a breakthrough, we often overlook the thousands of moments in between that carry equal, if not greater, significance. It is in the quiet cup of coffee on a rainy morning, the spontaneous laughter shared with a friend, or the long walk taken to clear your mind, where life truly unfolds.

The notion that life hinges on just one event can be misleading. While pivotal moments do impact us, they are not the full story. A single success does not encapsulate all the effort, failure, resilience, and growth that led to it. Nor does a single hardship erase the joy and love that came before or the strength that comes after. When we zoom out, we see that our lives are tapestries woven from countless threads, each moment adding color and texture.

By embracing life as a collection of moments, we give ourselves permission to be present. We stop postponing happiness or meaning until some distant milestone is reached. Instead, we find fulfillment in the now—in the learning, the connection, the small victories. Life, in its richest form, is a mosaic of experience, not a single brushstroke. Recognizing that helps us live more deeply and appreciate more fully.

For me, being present in the moment is profoundly important. It has been the foundation for experiencing life fully, rather than just moving through it. When I am present, my attention is not divided between the past and the future. I am engaged with what is happening right now: the conversation I am having, the emotions I am feeling, the beauty or challenge in front of me. This presence deepens my relationships, sharpens my focus, and opens the door to genuine connection with myself and others.

In a world that constantly pulls us toward distraction—notifications, obligations, worries—presence acts like a grounding force. We also have better balance in life when we can learn to turn off work in our minds when it is the right time to do that and quiet our busy minds. It reduces anxiety by shifting our focus away from what we cannot control (like what has already happened or might happen) and centers us on what we can influence: our response in that moment. That awareness fosters calm, clarity, and intentionality.

Moreover, being present is where joy is found. Life does not happen in the abstract—it happens moment by moment. The more present we are, the more we notice the richness in everyday experiences. Over time, that kind of awareness does not just enhance your experience of life; it changes the way you live life. I hope you find time to savor life’s moments each day!

Take care of yourself and each other!