How to Switch from Patience to Presence for a Fuller Life

Patience is often praised as a virtue, but what if we’ve misunderstood its true meaning? For many, patience is about waiting for something better to come along, but what if the key to fulfillment lies not in waiting, but in embracing the moment as it is? The shift from patience to presence encourages us to let go of the need for a future event and instead focus on experiencing the richness of the now. By stepping into presence, we not only find peace in the present, but we also unlock the full potential of our lives.

For much of my life, I believed I was here to learn patience. Growing up, I was told time and time again that patience was a virtue, and I learned to wait for things, believing that eventually, they would come to me. As I waited, I reached my goals, but looking back, I realize I missed out on enjoying the moments in between—those moments of simply being present. I wasn’t savoring the journey; I was too focused on the end result. As I turned 50, I began to understand that while our culture often encourages instant gratification, it also robs us of the simple joys of living in the moment. I now try to embrace the present, enjoying the small things—like the first sip of coffee—while also maintaining excitement for the future. It’s a mindset shift, and while it’s still a hard habit to break, I’ve learned that life is much richer when I focus on the now, rather than waiting for the next big thing.

Difference Between Presence and Mindfulness:

Although presence and mindfulness are often used interchangeably, they each highlight different aspects of being in the moment. Presence refers to a state of deep immersion in the now, where you are fully engaged with the experience at hand—whether it’s a conversation, a task, or simply being with yourself. It’s the ability to let go of everything else and absorb life with your whole being. Mindfulness, however, is more of a practice. It involves bringing awareness to your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. While mindfulness helps bring you to the present, presence is the natural state of living in that moment, free from distractions or expectations.

“The key to freedom is realizing that the future is not the source of your happiness. The present moment is the only place where you can truly feel alive.”

Switching from patience to presence involves a shift in mindset and practice. It’s about moving away from the idea that you have to wait for something to happen and instead embracing the moment as it is. Here are some steps you can take to facilitate this shift:

1. Recognize the Trap of Waiting

• Patience often stems from the belief that something better is coming, and you must wait for it. To move toward presence, recognize when you’re “waiting” for something—whether it’s a future outcome, a better time, or a different situation.
• Mindset Shift: Remind yourself that the moment you’re in right now is just as important, valuable, and complete as any future moment. Nothing is “missing” in the present.

2. Shift Your Focus to the Experience, Not the End Goal

• Instead of focusing on when something will happen (like waiting for an outcome or for time to pass), turn your attention to the experience itself. Engage with what is happening now, whether it’s a conversation, a task, or even a moment of stillness.
• Mindfulness Exercise: Pay attention to what you’re doing in the present. Whether it’s washing dishes, walking, or sitting, notice the details of the experience—how things look, feel, sound, or smell. This grounds you in the present.

3. Let Go of Expectations

• Patience often arises from the feeling that things need to be a certain way, and you’re waiting for them to align. Presence comes when you stop expecting things to be different and accept them as they are.
• Practice Acceptance: Acknowledge that the present moment is enough, just as it is. Let go of the belief that something “better” is on the way. This doesn’t mean giving up on goals or desires, but rather, embracing the process of life as it unfolds.

4. Be Fully Present with What’s Happening Now

• To experience presence, you need to fully engage with what’s happening right now. This means stopping the mental chatter about what should be happening or what’s going to happen later.
• Full Engagement: When you’re doing something, whether it’s working, eating, or spending time with loved ones, give it your full attention. Let go of distractions, like checking your phone or worrying about what’s next. Engage with the moment.

5. Practice Gratitude for the Present Moment

• Patience can sometimes create a sense of scarcity or lack (e.g., “I don’t have what I need right now”). Presence shifts that perception to one of abundance, where everything you need is already available in the moment.
• Gratitude Practice: Regularly reflect on what you appreciate about the present moment. This could be as simple as appreciating the air you breathe, the food you have, or the people you’re with. Gratitude brings you into alignment with the now.

6. Feel the Sensations of the Moment

• Patience is often a mental exercise of “waiting” or “enduring.” Presence is a holistic experience that involves being aware of your body, your emotions, and your environment in real time.
• Body Awareness: Take a moment to feel your body—your feet on the ground, the sensation of your breath, or the temperature of the air. Grounding yourself in your physical sensations helps you stay rooted in the present.

7. Release the Need for Control

• Often, we are patient because we believe we need to control the timing of things. Presence, on the other hand, comes from allowing life to unfold naturally without trying to force it.
• Surrender to the Flow: Practice trusting that everything is unfolding as it should. This may involve letting go of the tight grip on how and when things happen, and allowing yourself to move with the natural rhythm of life.

8. Use Mindfulness Techniques

• Mindfulness can be a great tool for switching from patience to presence. You can practice mindfulness through formal meditation or informal exercises throughout your day.
• Breath Awareness: A simple way to practice mindfulness and presence is by focusing on your breath. Take a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on the sensation of the breath entering and leaving your body. This helps you drop out of your mind’s constant chatter and into the present moment.

9. Embrace the “Now” as Enough

• Patience often comes from the belief that you have to endure something until you reach a “better” moment. Presence comes when you realize that the “now” is already complete and sufficient.
• Mantra for Presence: Whenever you catch yourself waiting or feeling impatient, repeat to yourself, “This moment is enough, just as it is.” This simple affirmation can help you shift from a mindset of waiting to a mindset of fully embracing the present.

10. Connect with the Energy of the Present Moment

• Bashar teaches that everything in the universe is vibrational and interconnected. When you’re fully present, you’re in harmony with the vibrational energy of the moment.
• Vibrational Alignment: As you embrace presence, notice how your energy changes. When you are aligned with the now, you feel a sense of peace, flow, and even joy. This is a sign that you are truly present, not waiting for something to change.

Closing Thought:

Shifting from patience to presence isn’t about letting go of your goals or desires; it’s about recognizing that the present moment is complete and fulfilling in itself. When we stop waiting for something better, we start experiencing the flow of life exactly as it is. Cultivating presence turns ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, and by embracing the now, we find that everything we need is already here. Instead of anticipating what’s next, step into the richness of the moment—you’ll discover that the fullness of life is always available to you.

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