The Power of Presence

In our busy lives, it’s easy to let the present moment slip through our fingers. We’re often too busy going from one thing to the next, worrying about the future, regretting what’s past, or, quite frankly, just trying to keep up with everything that demands our attention. For a long time, I was one of those people running around like my hair was on fire. I’d wake up diving headfirst into an endless to-do list, nose to the grindstone all day, and ending the day, dropping onto the couch, completely exhausted, yet disappointingly focusing on the things I did not get done. The demands on my time and energy felt like a constant tidal wave, and I was barely treading water. It was unsustainable, to say the least. And yet, I kept pushing, trying to find a way to juggle it all, until one day, I just couldn’t anymore.

This was when I surrendered to presence, not because I wanted to, but because there was simply nothing else, I could figure out to do. I was exhausted and depleted, and I had no choice but to just be. It was in that place of surrender that I discovered the profound power of presence. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate that the key to genuine self-empowerment, self-mastery, and self-leadership lies in a simple yet transformative practice of presence.

Presence isn’t something that requires effort or control. It’s the opposite. It’s about letting go of the need to control, the need to know, and the need to do. When I surrendered to presence, I found a sense of peace and empowerment that I had been chasing all along without realizing it was right there, waiting for me. I realized that I connected to a deeper source of wisdom and strength when I was fully present. I also learned that I don’t have to have all the answers because presence itself guides me.

I’m not talking about a superficial kind of presence—where you’re technically “there,” but your mind is wandering somewhere else. I’m talking about deep, conscious presence. It's the kind of presence where you’re not just going through the motions: you’re fully alive in each moment. This kind of presence is where real transformation happens. It’s where we tap into our essence, step into our power, and align with our purpose.

Presence as a Gateway

Presence has a way of bringing us face-to-face with ourselves. And sometimes, it’s a raw, unfiltered encounter. I remember the first time I truly felt this. It was on a seemingly ordinary day. I was sitting outside, watching the world go by, and something in me just… stopped. It was as if time slowed down, and I was suddenly aware of every leaf, every breeze, and every heartbeat.

I had a profound realization in that moment of stillness: I wasn’t just a part of the world - I was connected to it. In that connection, I felt a surge of strength, like an electric current running through me. This moment taught me that presence is not passive. It’s a powerful stance, a place of alignment where you draw strength not just from within yourself, but from everything around you.

When we’re present, we’re plugged into a universal intelligence that guides us. It’s as if we’re tuned into a frequency that resonates with our very essence. In that state, our choices become clearer, our actions more purposeful, and our confidence more rooted. In this sense, presence is the key to self-empowerment because it reminds us that we are never truly alone, disconnected, or powerless. We’re part of something far greater.

Presence as an Oak Tree

I often think of presence as being like a great oak tree. The oak stands tall and grounded, its roots sinking deep into the earth while its branches stretch toward the sky. That oak is powerful and resilient, not because it’s always doing something, but because it knows how to be. It’s rooted firmly, present in its space, and, as a result, it can weather any storm.

For us, self-mastery is a lot like growing those roots. It’s about anchoring ourselves in the present moment, no matter what’s happening around us. Amid the chaos, it’s our roots—our presence—that keep us grounded. We’re not easily swayed by external forces when we’re truly present. We’re anchored in our truth, values, and power.

I've witnessed this resilience in others as well. I recall working with a client who was struggling with a significant career transition. They were feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, pulled in different directions. We spent weeks focusing on being present—letting go of the need to control every outcome and simply being in the moment with whatever arose. Over time, I observed as they became more grounded, more self-assured, and more capable of making clear, empowered decisions. They transformed into an oak tree—steady, rooted, and resilient.

Presence as the Foundation

Presence is also the foundation of self-leadership. To lead ourselves, we must tune into our thoughts, emotions, and inner guidance. This means being fully present, willing to sit with the unknown, to listen deeply, and to trust ourselves to navigate whatever comes up. Self-leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers or having a flawless plan, but about being in touch with our deeper knowing.

I once heard a story about a ship’s captain who did something quite unusual during a violent storm. Instead of trying to steer the ship through the storm, he simply held his position. He stayed present, allowing the ship to ride the waves, trusting the sea to carry them through. His crew thought he was crazy, but his decision saved them. He understood that sometimes leadership isn’t about control; it’s about trust and presence.

As self-leaders, we are the captains of our own ships. Presence allows us to hold our position in the face of life’s storms, stay connected to our inner compass, and lead ourselves with grace and courage. When we are present, we are able to listen to our intuition, observe without judgment, and act from a place of calm rather than chaos. Effective and empowering self-leadership is the prerequisite to leading others.

Practice, Not Perfect

Of course, being present isn’t always easy. It’s a practice, not a one-time achievement. I still slip out of presence, especially when life gets hectic. But each time I catch myself, I remind myself that presence is always available. It’s not something we have to earn; it’s something we can choose.

One simple practice that helps me is “The Pause.” I pause whenever I feel pulled into a whirlwind of thoughts. I take a deep breath, feel my feet on the ground, and remind myself to just be. It only takes a moment, but that moment can be incredibly powerful. It brings me back to myself, to my center, and to the present.

I encourage you to try it. The next time you feel overwhelmed, take a pause. Feel the ground beneath you, breathe deeply, and just be. You might be surprised by the clarity and strength that arises.

Presence as a Pathway

The power of presence is transformative. It’s not just about mindfulness or being calm—it’s about tapping into a source of strength, wisdom, and connection that transcends the ordinary. It’s about grounding ourselves in who we truly are beyond our roles, thoughts, and worries. It’s about stepping into a space where we can lead ourselves with authenticity, resilience, and courage.

As you go about your day, I encourage you to embrace presence. Be like the oak tree - grounded and strong. Be like the captain - trusting in the storm. Remember that presence is your power. It is a source of self-empowerment, self-mastery, and self-leadership that is always within reach. In every moment, we have the choice to be fully here, fully alive, and fully aligned with our essence.

Ultimately, presence isn’t just something we practice. It’s something we embody. It is the way we show up for ourselves and the world. In that presence, we find our power.