Nines and Being Present

Of course, as I write these words, I can only write them from my own perspective; my own experience.

I have recently thought a lot about the whole issue of "Being Present." Someone close to me-- whom I love, respect and care about-- has pointed out that I "don't seem to be present."

Of course, the stereotypical Nine is perpetually "zoned out." I don't doubt-- or question-- that I zone out.

However, the discussion got me to contemplate why I am not more Present. After all, I have spent a large part of my adult life in pursuit of self-development, trying to become a better person.

Whether it applies to all Nines-- or just this Nine-- I have discovered that Being Present is a lot of work. Whether this is true for all people, I don't know.

Imagine, for a moment, the feeling that goes with threading a needle. You have to really concentrate, really look at the eye of the needle, and then focus intently on getting the thread to go through the impossibly tiny hole. This-- for most of us-- takes pretty intense focus and concentration. This is how I experience Being Present. It's not that I "don't know how." It's just that it requires intense concentration and focus, and a lot of effort... and it just plain tires me out, after some minutes... or half an hour, or whatever.

I admire those who can "stay Present" all the time. I have not yet figured out how to.