Staying Present

Today's topic is staying present. We use this phrase often in our culture, but what does it really mean? Why is it so important to be fully present? Many of us have ideas about this and might be spot on. For me, I notice more and more, especially with how tumultuous society feels—as if so many things are being torn apart—that it’s easy to get caught up in hopelessness and powerlessness.

Last night, I attended a community gathering with friends. About 12 to 20 of us meet monthly. My friend, who masterfully leads people into their hearts, facilitated a beautiful check-in. During the sharing, someone expressed feeling hopeless, and most had some kind of fear or concern. Yet, their hearts were so beautiful. I know it’s true for you too—when you look within at your own pain and fear and stay present with it, it’s powerful and beautiful.

Staying present is essential. If we aren’t present, we’re either stuck in the past, lamenting what’s happened, or worrying about the future. Neither brings peace. The truth is, staying in that place of worry isn’t pleasant, but we don’t have to remain there. Last night, we sang a song with lyrics that asked, "What do you lay at your heart?" For me, I lay my heart in God's hands. I say, "Father, I give my life over to you. Bring me what’s needed for my growth and highest good, and may the same come to others."

If I ask myself whether I want things to be different, my ego says, "Hell yeah!" But my true self says, "Thank you." I know where this journey leads—deeper into present consciousness. The journey keeps getting better, regardless of what’s happening in the world. Joy and peace are our natural states. Even when it feels like everything is being ripped away, what’s really being torn apart is the belief that life should look a certain way.

The more we surrender to God and let life unfold, the more peace we find. I watched an Eckhart Tolle video recently where he said with certainty that a mass awakening is coming. He usually doesn’t make predictions but was sure about this. What he couldn’t predict was how much suffering it would take. That’s up to us.

We’re here to change hearts and minds—not from arrogance or a need to "fix" people—but from love. I’ve seen posts on Facebook that tempt me into ego-driven reactions. Even if we got everything our ego wanted, we wouldn’t find lasting peace because peace doesn’t depend on external circumstances. There will never be a perfect society or leader. Fix one issue, and another arises—that’s the nature of the mind: it judges and compares.

The Bible speaks of peace that surpasses understanding, which means going beyond the mind. Perhaps now, more than ever, we have the opportunity for that. I’m genuinely excited about where this is going and grateful to be part of it.

I haven’t always embodied this well. You’ve probably heard me talk about my brother. We don’t discuss politics because, honestly, it’s been a source of conflict. But recently, he held space for me without responding—huge for him—and said, "Politics doesn’t define our relationship." He took two liberals out on his boat and didn’t talk politics, which he handles better than I do. I’m not proud of this, but I’ve probably distanced myself from many people because of political differences. They are my teachers, showing me where I’ve withheld love.

If we aim to live like Jesus, Buddha, or Krishna, we must ask: What’s keeping me from loving others as they are? Until we fully realize who we are, unconscious patterns steer us. True freedom comes from choosing love over judgment. I’m committed to that awakening, not just for those who share my views but for everyone.

What we put out into the world reflects back to us. Judgment outside points to judgment within. This isn’t new, but we need reminders. Making it through this time requires forgiveness and compassion—for ourselves and others.

I’m always reflecting on how I can serve better. For me, that means coming home to myself and speaking from that place. I have one of the greatest jobs—I get to stand here and speak from presence, which reconnects me to myself. Sure, I might walk out of here and be my goofy self, but I aim to carry that presence beyond these walls.

Eckhart Tolle emphasizes the power of conscious breathing. Just noticing your breath—without focusing on past or future—brings you into the present moment. Awareness and the present moment are the same. A thought may arise while breathing, and that’s okay—just return to the breath. Three conscious breaths can reset your entire state, dissolving problems rooted in time-based thinking.

So, I invite you: Take three conscious breaths, three times a day, for 60 days. It takes less than two minutes each time. Witness the breath without controlling it, and let it slow naturally. This simple practice can ground you in peace, even amid life’s chaos.

Years ago, I practiced Ishaya meditation and noticed how starting my day with meditation made life flow easier. On days I didn’t, everything—and everyone—seemed cranky. But really, the world mirrors our inner state, providing feedback to guide us back to alignment.

Despite living in peace most days, I still get triggered. The difference is how quickly I return to presence. The more I let go of who I think I am and embrace childlike innocence, the easier it becomes. My wife has called me out on my arrogance. At first, I didn’t see it, but over time, I recognized those moments. Awareness of arrogance dissolves arrogance. We all carry beliefs about ourselves—"I should be kinder," or "I’m not good enough"—but noticing these thoughts without attachment brings freedom.

There’s an urgency I feel—not rooted in fear but inspiration—to support others in reconnecting with who they are. So, I ask: Have you committed to fully realizing your true self? Not just discovering, but embodying it? When you make that commitment, the universe supports you.

And again, would you join me in the 60-day breath practice? I’m not pushing—just inviting. You can set an intention to bring more presence into your life. This small act can shift how you experience the world, making challenges fade into the background.

Physical condition, intellect—none of that matters here. These are mental constructs. Just notice when limiting beliefs arise and return to the breath. You’ll see how this choice affects you and those around you.

This moment holds incredible potential. The choice to engage with it is yours, right now. I’m cheering you on. If I can support you, don’t hesitate to reach out—through Facebook or email. I believe the more we give, the more we receive, and I’m happy to help.

Brett