Published: 14.01.2026
I did a 45-minute session today, and found myself getting distracted more than I expected. Towards the end of the session, I started anticipating when it would be over, and I could feel a subtle restlessness building up in my body. It was not overwhelming, but it was persistent enough to be noticeable.
For most of the session, though, I think I managed to stay either in the present moment or at least aware enough to notice when my mind drifted into the past-time or future-time. And whenever that happened, I was able to bring my attention back without too much effort. One thing I have noticed across sessions is that whenever I am truly present, there is a distinct physical sensation that comes with it. It feels like a surge of warmth and energy rising through my upper body. It does not show up every time, but when it does, it feels unmistakable. I also realised that being present can mean different things depending on the situation. One kind of presence shows up when there is already a clear intention in place. In that case, being present means being fully focused on that intention, without splitting attention across other thoughts or distractions. The other kind of shows up when there is no specific intention. In those moments, presence is simply having heightened awareness - awareness of the body, the surroundings, and everything happening internally and externally, without trying to steer it in any particular direction. In that sense, it helps to decide on an intention before the future arrives. Because when it does, you can direct your attention toward that intention and engage with it far more deeply than you would if you were unprepared or unfocused.