BEING IS Mental Health: Aligning Presence and Healing
As a coach dedicated to awakening and being, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of simply being. In our fast-paced world, where we're often caught up in the rush of daily responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact of fully embracing the present moment.
For me, being isn’t just a philosophical concept; it has been a lifeline during challenging times and a facilitator of expositional growth. I’ve learned that when I allow myself to fully inhabit the here and now—mind, body, and spirit—I create the space necessary for healing and advancement. Mental health discussions frequently revolve around therapy, medication, and external coping mechanisms, but I’ve come to understand that the true essence of mental well-being lies in the practice of being present.
When we fully engage with the moment, the weight of anxiety and sadness often lifts, revealing clarity and peace. This realization has shaped my approach to coaching and has inspired me to guide others on their journey to mental wellness through the power of being. Together, let’s explore how this fundamental practice can help realign your life and promote lasting mental health.
Understanding BEING and Its Role in Mental Health
To understand how BEING is essential to mental health, we first need to define what we mean by being. It’s the state of existing fully in the present moment, consciously aware of ourselves without distractions. While we often focus on doing—working, achieving, or even performing self-care—being is about embracing the present moment without judgment or the need to accomplish anything.
Mental health is intricately tied to this. When we are consumed by thoughts of the future or weighed down by regrets from the past, our mental and emotional well-being suffers. Anxiety and depression often stem from this disconnection with the present. In contrast, BEING brings us into alignment with our true selves, inviting stillness and mental clarity that is hard to achieve when we are constantly focused on the next task or worry.
In those moments when we are fully present, we experience an inner peace that supports mental health.
The Link Between Presence and Mental Health
There is a deep connection between being present and maintaining a healthy mental state. Research has shown that mindfulness and presence are powerful tools for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. When we anchor ourselves in the present moment, we escape the mental trap of ruminating over the past or feeling anxious about the future.
Mindfulness helps us become aware of our thoughts and emotions without being consumed by them. In practice, presence allows us to observe our emotions as they arise. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by negative feelings, we learn to witness them with curiosity and compassion. This shift in awareness creates a mental space where healing can occur.
By simply being with our emotions—without judgment or the urge to fix them immediately—we allow our minds to settle. It’s in this state of presence that mental health thrives, as we are no longer controlled by the chaos of our thoughts but instead anchored in a state of inner calm.
While this may sound simplistic or even woo-woo, trust me, I have experienced this kind of healing firsthand and used it as a tool with my clients more times than I can count. It really works!
Conclusion
BEING is a foundational practice for maintaining and regaining mental health. By embracing the present moment, we allow our minds to rest, reconnect with our emotions, and tap into our consciousness in a way that promotes true healing.
Presence and the simple act of BEING help to shift us from a state of mental chaos to one of clarity and balance. This is where healing begins.
In my upcoming blog posts, we’ll dive deeper into how BEING can help us balance emotional well-being, as well as offer practical ways to cultivate BEING in our daily lives for lasting mental health benefits.