The Power of Presence

Why do some people make us feel alone, even when we’re together—while others make silence feel like the deepest conversation?

I was listening to a podcast today and one of the guests mentioned how he enjoys the presence of certain people. He didn't say spending time with certain people.

That struck me.

Spending time is using a valuable resource to do something together--like working, playing, talking, or eating.

Being in someone's presence, or allowing them to be in yours, is different.

When I'm with certain people, there's no need to talk, eat or do.

It's when my attention, and theirs, is fully present.

Silence feels more than just not talking.

The shared space is alive and full without words.

There is no effort, no trying to fix anything or analyze the relationship.

It feels like time slows down, and nothing needs to be done.

It's nourishing to rest in presence.

This weekend Shayne and I spent time together in Greensboro. But more importantly, we shared our presence together in a little Airbnb doing nothing.

And it was bliss.