How many of us have heard someone say “I need to be more present”. How many of us have asked this of ourselves? What does this mean? If we show up, we’re there, we’re attending. But attendance is not the same thing as being present.

Being present is about focusing on what, where, or whom you’re engaging with. Being present is about attuning to that activity, person, or environment. In being present we are hoping to gain connection.

Our lifestyles and societal norms ask us to be multitaskers. If we’re commuting, can we just participate in the commute. Or do we feel guilty for “not being productive” and instead spend time reading, making calls, or listening to podcasts? When we’re watching tv, are we watching tv or are we checking emails, texting, online shopping, cleaning, organizing? How do we engage in our meals? Are we sitting, standing, driving, walking, commuting?

Not being present for so much of our daily life can start to wear on us. Difficulty relaxing, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed are indicators.

Therapy is a distraction free space. The hour each week is intentional work on yourself. Engagement in therapy carves out time in your busy life to practice connecting, connecting to another person, to emotions, to memories and ultimately to yourself. A therapist or psychologist will help you understand external and internal challenges that prevent you from being present in your life.