Unlocking Inner Peace: 4 Powerful Keys to Deeper Presence

Are you the kind of person who can get lost in their thoughts and therefore become paralysed by overthinking?

Do you get entangled in narratives of self-criticism?

Or do you struggle to connect with the ones you love because you are too preoccupied with ideas, your to-do list or the past? 

This week in the group Compassion Mastery Experience, we spoke about the power of presence. 

Read on for my 'SIFT model' and click here for a 'Present Moment Checklist' to help you feel more peaceful, powerful and joyful right now.

I’ve been blessed to work with a diverse range of clients - experts, authors, ex-athletes, seasoned entrepreneurs and even a budding rocket scientist…

They all wanted to improve their level of presence. 

When I started my journey that was a concern for me too, and everyday I am continuing to improve my level of presence. 

But from a scientific point of view, why? 

When we access presence, our brainwaves slow down into an alpha state which:

- Elevates your level of performance

- Makes you more intuitive

- Shuts down the inner critic

Further more, your heart rate, breathing rate and heart rate variability are positively affected which promotes wellness and longevity.

But above all...

IT FEELS GOOD.

Tara Brach, world leading mindfulness teacher and thought leader, describes the present moment as a feeling of:

1. Openness

2. Love

3. Wakefulness

And I love this beautiful quote from the master of presence, Eckhart Tolle…

"Realise deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life."

There is a reason why teachings from mystics, yogis and sages all agree that presence is the foundation for everything. 

Now, if you are like me, you want to not only understand the principle of presence but you also want tips, habits and processes to make it easy for you. 

I got you. 

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SIFT is a well known science-backed model that will help you easily build self-awareness, presence and peace. 

1. Sensations

Our mind becomes entranced with sensations because our bodily sensations help us know whether we are safe or not. The primary function of the mind is safety. 

By checking in on your bodily sensations throughout the day, you are ending the trance and entering the present moment. 

2. Images

You’ve heard of the phrase 'a picture tells a thousand words', well this is the case for our mind too. Images we are thinking about or attached to take us away from the present moment. Becoming aware of the images we are holding in our mind at any moment can end the trance and wake you up to presence. 

3. Feelings

By developing rhythmic check-ins as to how you feel, you will know whether you are present. Ask yourself, "Does this feel like openness, love or wakefulness?" If the answer is no, you could do with re-engaging with the present moment.

4. Thoughts

“I wonder what my next thought is going to be?” This is a powerful question from Eckhart Tolle because it starts to help you experience the gap in between thoughts. It is in this gap that creativity, inspiration and all possibilities exist. Becoming aware of your thoughts is essential to cultivating more presence. Ask yourself as well, "Am I thinking about the past or future right now?" A simple yet powerful tool for more presence. 

I learnt the SIFT acronym from neuroscientist and professor Daniel Siegel. It is a powerful journaling tool too especially if you have been triggered or if you are going through a difficult time. 

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Down forget to download my 'Present Moment Checklist' too by clicking here.

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If this spoke to you, email me to share your success or any questions you may have.  

With love,

Nilesh