The Power of Presence

The Power of Presence

"Our humanity is more powerful than our expertise"

I recently attended a talk on the subject of Facing Loss which was part of this year’s Cheltenham Literary Festival. This is a subject I have experience of both personally and professionally and I acknowledge the enormous impact loss of our loved ones may have on our current and future lives.

A theme which emerged from the speakers’ discussion was around the quality of Presence and the language used by those we meet in the aftermath of our loss. Each recognised that family, close friends, and acquaintances sometimes struggled to respond in ways that they found helpful and comforting.

So what does it mean to be Present, both in relationship to others and to ourselves. The core of our Presence is in our connection to all that is, and we each may attain this in different ways. In stillness we are able to access our inner wisdom, and as we come home to our centre we take the opportunity to recalibrate – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Listening with an open heart we become consciously aware of the subtle sensations of our physical body and our developing self-awareness and self-compassion allows us to be transparent and authentic in relation to others.

I am reminded of the quote by Rachel Remen “Our humanity is more powerful than our expertise” and our benevolent presence and compassionate awareness allows us to hold our companion and be alongside her through her pain and distress, without judgement or embarrassment.

In opening our heart centre more fully we allow our companion to be vulnerable and to trust in that felt sense of Presence that allows each soul to unfold in its own time and unique way. Our sensitivity, kindness and skilled listening is a blessing as we hold in grace our companion’s pain.

I vividly recall the sudden death of my mum and in particular the support I received when I reached a particularly low point in my grief. This is what I wrote in my journal: