Embracing and engaging our common humanity…
One of the ongoing frustrations of my life is good people, seeking to engage in human contact person-to-person, do so in such a manner that any real contact is impossible.
Michael Dornbier: Had you been at least, 'acknowledging' that I existed...even looked me in the eye...when I approached you as you were sitting alone out in the venue (Ballard, WA LoCG) before the show...
To acknowledge another, we have to see them. This requires that we are present, and have sufficient attention available to make a connection with them. This requires also, that the other person is present and attentive. Two points: presence, attention.
Presence
I
How to be present? The development of presence begins from a Still Point. Within this Still Point, there is room for Silence to enter. With practice, I may become quiet, relaxed and open. This state is governed by the quality of my volitional attention.
I cannot bring about Silence. But if I am quiet, I find a space where Silence may come to visit and be present within me.
Without a Still Point, a higher quality of action is denied us. Action remains subservient to activity. Room for the freedom of choice and direction, moving from Presence, escapes us. This is the world of our everyday life, of constant reaction, disruption and noise.
II
When we are present, there is Presence. This is tangible and may be sensed by others.
How is this?
Presence is the coherent energy field which surrounds the body. More accurately, Presence is the energy field within which the body is contained. Presence, at a certain point of intensity, can become independent of the body, as if it has an existence of its own. When a person with Presence walks in the room, even if our eyes are closed, we know this. We sense this. Perhaps, we feel this.
In practical terms, how do we develop Presence?
We begin with sensation, to directly experience the presence of life in the body. Am I alive? How do I know I am alive? What is the distinct quality of being alive in this body? Sensation answers these questions.
Then, we strengthen the life of the feelings: we put aside the negative and prepare a place for the positive: Wish, Hope, Faith, Acceptance and Love.
Then, we differentiate between sensation and feeling: the life in the body and the life of the heart. Then, we bring them together. This blending of sensation and feeling, and perhaps something more, gives rise to a particular and distinct quality of experiencing ourselves. We are experiencing our Presence.
Monday 30th. September, 2024;
Middle England.
https://guitarcraft.com/presence/
Attention is a natural property of the angels. The good news: attention is also possible for us. The bad news: but not naturally. More good news: we may develop the power of attention.
But only if we Wish.
"If we wish to know, breathe the air around someone who knows."
