Practicing the Presence of People

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to lose sight of the profound importance of human connection. We often find ourselves rushing through interactions, multitasking during conversations, or avoiding meaningful engagement altogether. However, there is a transformative approach to relationships that can deepen our capacity for love and enrich our lives: practicing the presence of people.

This concept, explored in depth by author Mike Mason in his book “Practicing the Presence of People: How We Learn to Love,” offers a fresh perspective on how we can cultivate more meaningful connections with those around us. At its core, this practice is about learning to be fully present and attentive to others, seeing them as they truly are, and approaching each interaction with an open heart and mind.

The Inspiration Behind the Concept

Mason’s inspiration for this approach came from the classic devotional work “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence. While Brother Lawrence’s focus was on maintaining a constant awareness of God’s presence, Mason had a profound realization: “Why not take all that I’ve learned about knowing God through contemplative prayer and apply it to knowing people? After all, since God is a person to whom we relate through prayer, shouldn’t the principles of prayer transfer to knowing other persons made in His image?”

This insight led Mason to explore how we can apply the same level of intentionality and presence to our relationships with others that we might bring to our spiritual practices. The result is a powerful framework for deepening our connections and learning to love more fully.

The Essence of Practicing the Presence of People

At its heart, practicing the presence of people is about cultivating a deep awareness and appreciation for the individuals we encounter in our daily lives. It involves:

1. Being fully present: Giving our undivided attention to the person we’re interacting with, setting aside distractions and truly listening.
2. Seeing beyond the surface: Looking past outward appearances and behaviors to understand the inner world of others.
3. Cultivating empathy: Trying to understand and share the feelings of those around us.
4. Embracing vulnerability: Being willing to open ourselves up to others and create space for authentic connection.
5. Acknowledging that each person is created in the image of God and has inherent worth and dignity.

Practical Steps for Practicing the Presence of People

While the concept may seem abstract, there are practical ways we can incorporate this practice into our daily lives:

1. Practice active listening: When engaging in conversation, focus entirely on the speaker, avoiding the urge to formulate your response while they’re talking.
2. Cultivate curiosity: Approach each interaction with genuine interest in learning more about the other person.
3. Slow down: Take time to truly observe and appreciate the people around you, rather than rushing through interactions.
4. Practice empathy: Try to put yourself in others’ shoes, imagining how they might be feeling or what they might be experiencing.
5. Be mindful of body language: Pay attention to non-verbal cues and use your own body language to convey openness and attentiveness.
6. Embrace silence: Allow for comfortable pauses in conversation, creating space for deeper reflection and connection.
7. Practice gratitude: Regularly express appreciation for the people in your life and the unique qualities they possess.

Overcoming Challenges in Practicing Presence

While the benefits of practicing the presence of people are significant, it’s not always easy. Some common challenges include:

1. Distractions: Our technology-saturated world offers constant temptations to divert our attention.
2. Fear of vulnerability: Opening ourselves up to others can feel risky and uncomfortable.
3. Preconceptions and biases: We may struggle to see past our initial judgments of others.
4. Time constraints: Our busy schedules can make it challenging to slow down and be fully present.
5. Difficult personalities: Some people may be harder to connect with or appreciate.

To overcome these challenges, it’s important to:

1. Set boundaries around technology use during interactions
2. Start small, practicing presence in short interactions before tackling longer engagements
3. Challenge your assumptions about others and practice suspending judgment
4. Prioritize quality interactions over quantity
5. Remember that even difficult people have inherent worth and can teach us valuable lessons

The Transformative Power of Presence

As we cultivate the practice of being present with others, we begin to experience profound shifts in our relationships and our own personal growth. Some of the benefits include:

1. Deeper connections: By truly seeing and hearing others, we create space for more authentic and meaningful relationships.
2. Increased empathy: Regular practice helps us become more attuned to others’ emotions and experiences.
3. Personal growth: Engaging fully with others challenges us to confront our own biases and areas for improvement.
4. Enhanced communication: Being present allows for clearer, more effective communication.
5. Greater joy and fulfillment: Meaningful connections contribute significantly to our overall well-being and happiness.
6. Spiritual growth: Recognizing the divine in others can deepen our own spiritual journey.

Practicing Presence in Challenging Relationships

One of the most powerful aspects of this practice is its applicability to difficult relationships. Mason argues that “love is not a matter of being passive but of becoming wise”. By approaching challenging individuals or situations with an attitude of presence and openness, we can:

1. Gain new insights into the root causes of conflict
2. Develop greater patience and compassion
3. Find common ground where it seemed impossible before
4. Model a different way of engaging that may inspire change in others

It’s important to note that practicing presence doesn’t mean tolerating abuse or remaining in unhealthy situations. Rather, it provides us with the wisdom and discernment to navigate difficult relationships with greater clarity and compassion.

Integrating the Practice into Daily Life

To truly benefit from practicing the presence of people, it needs to become an integral part of our daily lives. Some strategies for integration include:

1. Setting daily intentions to be more present in your interactions
2. Creating reminders or rituals that help you shift into a more present state
3. Reflecting on your interactions at the end of each day, noting areas of growth and opportunities for improvement
4. Seeking out accountability partners or joining a group focused on developing this practice
5. Regularly revisiting the core principles and renewing your commitment to the practice

Practicing the presence of people is not a destination but a lifelong journey of learning to love more fully and connect more deeply. As we embrace this practice, we open ourselves up to transformative experiences and relationships that enrich our lives in countless ways.

By approaching each interaction with intentionality, openness, and a willingness to see the image of God in them, we not only enhance our own lives but also contribute to a more compassionate and connected world. As Mason reminds us, “All the people in our lives have been given to us so that we might grow in love”. By embracing this perspective and committing to the practice of presence, we embark on a profound journey of personal and relational growth that has the power to transform our lives and the lives of those around us.