In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the state of being present - a grounded emotional state where your attention, awareness, and energy are fully in the here and now. The conversation examines how presence can be both uncomfortable and powerful, how introverts and extroverts may experience presence differently, and the relationship between presence and flow states. The hosts discuss practical ways to practice presence and why it's often easier to be present for others than for ourselves.

Episode Highlights:

• Heather describes being present as "bringing a light bulb into your life" that shines a spotlight on things that may not be working, noting that this awareness can feel uncomfortable if you're not ready to make changes
• Michelle observes that as an extrovert, she tends to be most present in social situations and conversations with others, while at home alone she switches off environmental awareness and becomes more "internally present"
• Tina distinguishes between presence as a practice versus presence as a feeling, describing the emotional experience as "quiet and still" - like turning off a ceiling fan so you can sense energy moving through your body and interpret your senses clearly
• Heather connects presence to flow states, wondering if practicing presence as a discipline can help people more easily access that powerful state where time seems to disappear
• The hosts suggest that activities requiring focus but not being too hard - art, music, creative pursuits, sports, puzzles, or spending time with animals or children - can help cultivate presence and potentially lead to "hyper presence" or flow states

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by 
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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