Presence as a Foundation for Change

What does it mean to be truly present? In our fast-paced, constantly-connected world, it's easy to get lost in thoughts, worries, and distractions. We're often living in the past or the future, rarely fully inhabiting the now.

Presence is about reclaiming our attention and bringing it back to the present moment. It's about being fully aware and engaged with what's happening right here, right now, without judgment. It's about noticing our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting carried away by them.

While cultivating presence can certainly bring personal peace and well-being – reducing stress, improving focus, and increasing self-awareness – it's also a powerful foundation for social change. It's not just about inner peace; it's about building the inner resources we need to engage effectively with the world around us.

Presence cultivates two key qualities that are essential for creating a more just and equitable world:

• Awareness: When we're present, we're more aware of our own thoughts, feelings, biases, and reactions. We're better able to notice the subtle ways in which our conditioning shapes our perceptions. This self-awareness is the first step towards challenging our own prejudices and acting with greater intention.

• Resilience: The world can be a challenging place, especially when we're confronting difficult issues like injustice and oppression. Presence helps us develop the resilience to navigate these challenges with greater equanimity. It allows us to stay grounded in the face of difficult emotions, to respond with wisdom and compassion rather than reactivity, and to avoid burnout.

In the context of anti-fascism, presence is particularly crucial. It allows us to:

• Recognize and Interrupt Our Own Biases and Prejudices: As we've discussed, we all hold unconscious biases. Presence helps us become aware of these biases as they arise, giving us the opportunity to choose a different response.

• Respond to Hate and Injustice with Compassion and Wisdom: When we're grounded in presence, we're less likely to react with anger or fear, and more likely to respond with skillful action rooted in compassion and understanding.

• Stay Grounded and Centered in the Face of Adversity: Anti-fascist work can be emotionally and physically demanding. Presence helps us stay grounded, connected to our values, and resilient in the face of challenges.

This pathway is an invitation. It's an invitation to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself, with others, and with the world around you. It's an invitation to develop the inner resources you need to live a more meaningful life and to contribute to creating a more just and compassionate world. It is a practice.