The Power of Now: Reclaiming Presence in a World That Pulls Us Away
Living in the present moment might sound like a cliché from a self-help book, but for many, it’s the lifeline we forget to reach for. In a world where we’re constantly reliving the past or forecasting the future, we’re often pulled away from the only thing that truly exists—the now.
At Walk With Me Counseling Center in Chicago, Illinois, we’ve seen how political stress, social unrest, and personal anxieties can keep people trapped in a mental loop. As the election season heightens emotions and divisions, the challenge becomes not just how to survive it, but how to stay grounded—especially when life feels like it's moving too fast or falling apart. What if the antidote to that overwhelm lies in the simple yet profound act of paying attention?
Why We Struggle to Be Present
It’s human nature to reflect. We analyze past mistakes, worry about what could go wrong tomorrow, and fantasize about how life might be better if only something were different. This ability to think beyond the moment sets us apart as a species. It helps us plan, learn, and grow. But left unchecked, this very trait can fuel anxiety, depression, and emotional disconnection.
Philosopher Søren Kierkegaard once described human beings as caught between anxiety over the future and despair over the past. Influenced by the writings of St. Augustine, Kierkegaard believed that our consciousness of time—of what was and what might be—keeps us perpetually unsettled.
In Confessions, Augustine points out that the past and future don’t tangibly exist. The past has already vanished, and the future hasn’t yet arrived. Only the present is “real”—yet even that, he notes, is fleeting. It’s merely a thin slice of time constantly slipping through our fingers.
So, Can We Really Live in the Present?
This raises a troubling question: If the present is so momentary, how do we live in it?
And yet, we do have those rare moments when we feel totally absorbed by life. A genuine laugh with a friend. Watching the clouds shift above a quiet lake. A deep conversation where time seems to vanish. These are not just nice experiences—they’re windows into what presence feels like. They remind us that while fleeting, the present is a place we can inhabit more intentionally.
Attention: The Gateway to the Present
Psychologically and spiritually, attention is our tool for being here, now. Augustine called it a sacred act—the way we relate to the world around us. You cannot truly experience anything you don’t give your attention to. And in a culture of endless notifications, headlines, and mental overload, attention has become one of our most threatened—and most powerful—resources.
Attention doesn’t just help us observe. It helps us participate. It’s the way we say “yes” to what is in front of us, rather than running from it.
A Simple Exercise in Presence
Picture yourself walking through a forest trail. You feel the gravel under your shoes, hear birdsong and wind through leaves. You breathe in the earthy scent of pine and soil. In that moment, you're not worried about tomorrow or rehashing yesterday. You’re simply there.
Now, contrast that with a time you took a walk while scrolling your phone or listening to a podcast. Your body was in the environment—but your mind was somewhere else entirely.
Presence isn’t about rejecting technology or isolating ourselves from modern life. It’s about choosing, moment by moment, where we want our mind to dwell.
Why It’s So Hard (But So Worth It)
Of course, choosing presence is easier said than done—especially during high-stress seasons like elections, family disagreements, or personal transitions. You might feel constantly triggered by the news, emotionally drained by social media, or exhausted by endless debates with people who see the world differently.
When our nervous system is activated—when we’re scared, angry, or overwhelmed—it’s biologically harder to stay grounded. The body gears up for survival, not stillness. That’s why presence is not just a mental concept—it’s a physical, emotional, and spiritual practice.
You don’t need a mountaintop retreat or hours of meditation to begin. It can start with a breath. A pause. A decision to look up from your screen and notice the light pouring in through your window.
The Present is Where Healing Happens
Therapists and mindfulness practitioners agree: the present is where healing takes place. We don’t heal in the past, because we can’t change it. We don’t heal in the future, because it hasn’t happened yet. Healing requires us to anchor in what we feel, sense, and understand in real time.
At Walk With Me Counseling Center, we help clients learn how to build this kind of presence—especially when the world around them feels too intense or uncertain. We know that the practice of being here and now can restore clarity, calm, and even joy.
Building Attention as a Daily Ritual
You don’t need to master presence overnight. You just need to practice it on purpose. Here are a few ways to start:
Start your day without a screen. Before you check your phone, check in with yourself. How are you feeling? What do you need today?
Use your senses. Pick a part of your day—your morning coffee, your walk to work—and notice what you smell, see, feel, or hear.
Single-task. When you eat, just eat. When you talk, just talk. This simple act trains your mind to stop jumping ahead.
Name what’s happening. When emotions rise, don’t suppress or escape them. Label them: “This is frustration.” “This is fear.” Labeling emotions reduces their grip.
Reclaim transitions. The space between things—like the drive home or the moments before bed—can become intentional check-ins, not just empty zones.
Attention Is a Gift You Can Give Others, Too
Being present is not only good for your peace of mind—it’s a gift to others. Listening deeply to someone, without interrupting or judging, can be a rare and healing experience. When we are truly present, we create space for connection.
This is especially important during emotionally charged seasons like elections, where conversations can become polarizing. You don’t have to agree with someone to be present with them. You only have to be willing to listen.
Why This Matters Right Now
This year’s election season is already showing signs of emotional overload. From the constant barrage of news to disagreements among family and friends, it’s easy to feel like the world is on edge. Many of us are experiencing chronic stress, irritability, sleep problems, or emotional burnout.
Now more than ever, learning to live in the present is not a luxury—it’s a survival skill. It’s a way to reclaim peace when chaos seems to reign. It’s how we protect our relationships, our bodies, and our mental health.
You don’t have to do it alone.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Present
Walk With Me Counseling Center is here to help if you're overwhelmed by election stress or political disagreements. We offer virtual therapy sessions across Illinois, so support is just a click away—whether you're in Chicago or another part of the state.
If political tension is straining your peace of mind or your relationships, let’s talk. Therapy can help you reclaim presence, cope with anxiety, and build tools for healthy communication and emotional resilience.
Complete our Intake Form today and take the first step toward protecting your mental health during this intense election season.
Your well-being should be your top priority—especially now. Don’t wait for the stress to boil over. Whether you’re in the heart of Chicago or in a quieter corner of Illinois, Walk With Me Counseling Center is here to walk with you—one present moment at a time.
