What is the difference between DOING and BEING?
Doing is an action, while being is a presence.
Doing involves the mind, while being involves the spirit.
Doing has an intention that is focused on the end result, while being focuses on the present moment.
Being brings us one step closer to being present. One might suggest that Being and Being Present are the exact same thing. Maybe so. I believe that being present is the “doing” of being. 🙂
What does it mean to be present?
Being present is about THIS MOMENT. That’s it. The importance of being present is founded on the concept that in each of our perceived realities, the most REAL thing is ONLY what exists in the PRESENT MOMENT.
Yes, there are consequences and results from our past that we face today but the past in our mind is only made up of memories.
The future is what will happen or what we plan to do. It is not guaranteed. The future only exists in the imaginary plane of the mind.
How to be present?
One fast and easy way that I have found to tap into presence, is by simply engaging the physical senses. By engaging the physical senses, we turn on those receptors that help us track this moment and all that’s going on in it. Life requires that we use our past memories and future possibilities to make decisions, maintain a sustainable living and share relationships with others. By simply training our awareness to be present, it can help bring balance to our lives.
STEP 1: Turn on Your Ears.
Observe the sounds of your environment nearby, and then at a further distance. Do not judge the sounds, simply take them in.
STEP 2: Turn on Your Eyes.
Simply allow the eyes to take in the visual imagery around you. Above you; below you; on all sides of you. Do not judge what you see. Simply use the eyes to “look” as they were designed to.
STEP 3: Become Aware of Your Body.
Close the eyes. Notice any sensations in the body. Observe them, without an effort to change your position or adjust your space. Using your mind’s eye, simply notice locations in your body that feel tension or relaxation. The next step can help release tension and add relaxation.
STEP 4: Breathe Deeply.
At this point, you may already be breathing deeply but for many of us, a reminder to take a deep breath is very helpful. At this time in the process, simply forget steps 1-3 and focus on the breath for several moments. Allow the breath to become long and deep. Notice how full you can breathe in and how slowly you can breathe out. Continue to breath for 3 to 10 breaths.
STEP 5: Bring it All Together with Gratitude.
With each breath now, revisit each step. Observe sounds for a breath or two. Consider feeling grateful for the ability to hear. Keeping the eyes closed, observe what is in your vision behind closed eyelids. Maybe you perceive the brightness of the environment before you or subtle colors. Consider smiling and feeling gratitude for the ability to see the world around you and not simply live life in darkness. After several breaths, continue now to observe your physical body and all the sensations that may be occurring, whether pleasant or unpleasant. You may continue to observe with this approach for as long as desired.
STEP 6: Be with Nature.
One disclaimer is that YOU ARE NATURE. Therefore, simply closing your eyes and being with yourself can offer much relief and peace of mind. However, being immersed in a natural environment and doing this process can offer a jolt of presence and peace almost instantly.
I have found that being out in an environment with dirt, water, grass, trees, plants, etc. truly takes the process described in Steps 1-5, to a new level. By being with a living object, I believe it helps influence our vibration to become more natural and at ease as we are meant to be.
What do YOU think about being verses doing?
How do YOU practice being present?
If you try this process, what was your experience?
Please share in the comments below!