Presence as a process of encounter

When we think about presence, it's often seen as a personal quality - a way of being. But in the context of change, individual or organizational, it's worth looking at it as a relational process - "being present with".

Interconnectedness. Otto Scharmer, in his Theory U, introduces the presence as a concept from the natural world - the whole is entirely present in any of its parts. As, for example, the pattern of the tree present in the seed. And describes the presence as a state of "letting come", letting ourselves be touched, as a shift from the head to the heart.

The quality of presence enables authentic connections. It has to do with our capacity to engage with the world around us and respond to whatever or whomever we encounter. Our attention constantly moves forth and back between internal and external awareness. Being fully present means navigating this fluid interplay:

• focusing attention on oneself,

• on the other,

• and the atmosphere created in between (Sally Atkins, 2014)

And it happens on multiple levels - senses, body awareness, emotions and thoughts.

Qualities of presence that help to build meaningful connections include non-judgemental openness both verbally and non-verbally, and appreciative curiosity - the genuine interest in the other or the encounter.

Working with arts intermodally invites us to be present with our senses. The arts call us to sense our aliveness and open our hearts. In group sessions, we connect not only with ourselves but also with each other and the collective field. Through this process, we embody and transform on personal, group, and broader levels, like organizations or society.

A fun activity for you. Feel the ground under your feet. Feel how strong and steady it is. Take a big breath and imagine roots growing from your feet, like a tree anchoring you to the earth. Stay with these sensations for a little while.

This post is inspired by the book "Presence and Process in Expressive Arts Work" by Herbert Eberhart and Sally Atkins

Thanks for reading. Share your thoughts or questions in the comments - what resonated with you, what didn't? Your input helps us grow together.

Considering trying out Expressive Arts? Reach out to me for one-on-one or group sessions.