PRESENCE

Written By vijay sridharan

In terms of mindfulness, presence is the state of fully being somewhere. When we are present, we are connected to all that is, in that moment. We notice all the sensations that make up our experience. When we are present with another person, we help them feel seen and heard.

Inspiration for practicing presence 

  • Single-task.

  • Scan your body and notice all the sensations. The Body Scan meditation in the Calm app can guide you.

  • For at least five minutes every day, do nothing.

  • In conversation, listen without preparing a response.

  • Declutter your space.

  • Schedule tech-free periods in your day. (If this is difficult, you’re not alone. You might find Calm’s Masterclass for Social Media and Screen Addiction a support.)

Self-reflection

What am I avoiding?

“Take care of yourself right now. Befriend what’s happening, not just who you’re supposed to be or what the world should be like. This is where you are now. So how do you care for yourself this minute?””
— Bernie Glassman
 
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About Calm Cards 
About Calm Cards 

We created these cards as a way to intentionally cultivate the qualities that support us in showing up for ourselves and others, in ways that feel nourishing and meaningful. 

We encourage you to engage with the Calm Cards in whatever way feels best. Here are a few ways that we love to use them:

  • Pick a card in the morning to set an intention for the day

  • Pick a card on a Sunday to set an intention for the week

  • Pick a card on the first day of the month to set an intention for the month

  • Pick a card when you’re feeling stuck, to see what happens when you infuse more of that quality into your day

  • Pick a card when you’re struggling with another person to explore what qualities might bring more ease into your relationship

  • Pick a card and use it as journaling prompt

  • Pick a card and use it in your meditation practice

  • Pick a card to use with a partner or group — like a book club, but an intention club; connect daily or weekly or monthly and share your experiences

  • Send a card to a friend who may need some inspiration

Check out the entire collection of Calm Intentions here.

Pick another Calm Intentions card here.

We’ve also put all of the cards in a lovely booklet for you to use as a mindfulness tool, a journal full of inspiration for your practice. Download the Calm Intentions Journal here!


vijay sridharan
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