The Power of Presence

Insights from Our High Impact Leadership Retreat

At the close of our High Impact Leadership retreat, I often find myself and the 8–10 participants laughing about how it feels like months have passed since we started on Monday. After facilitating this program for 17 years, I’ve come to expect this phenomenon, and I even share it with the group during our kickoff. I like to joke that the Miller Cottage at the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge in Florida, where the program is held, has time-warping properties.

But there’s a profound lesson here that isn’t lost on our participants: the power of living in the moment.

The Challenge of Disconnecting

Our program is an immersive experience where participants are asked to disconnect from work and technology. Initially, this is challenging for our high-performing leaders, but as the week progresses, many come to appreciate the absence of the constant distractions that lead to a transactional, “autopilot” existence.

It becomes clear that life can pass by while we are physically present but mentally absent. Take, for instance, a virtual call—let’s call it point A. While on the call, we might be anticipating the next task, point B (a meeting with the boss). Once we’re at point B, we’re either reflecting on what happened at point A or worrying about point C. This endless cycle can make life feel like the movie Groundhog Day—repetitive and unfulfilling.

The truth is, life only happens in the present moment. Right now, for example, if you’re reading this, then this is all that exists for you in this moment.

The Power of Meditation

The question we pose to participants is: Can this experience of presence be carried back to everyday life, or is it simply a product of the artificial environment we create here? The answer is yes—through the practice of meditation. I can almost hear the groans when I mention this!

While many of our clients already meditate, for some, it still doesn’t seem to click due to two common objections:

1. “My mind is too busy”
2. “I don’t have the time”

The first misconception is that meditation is about achieving a state of thoughtless peace. When people sit down to meditate and find their minds racing, they often conclude, “This isn’t for me.” But in reality, it’s perfectly normal for thoughts to arise during meditation. The key difference is that in meditation, we practice noticing these thoughts, stepping back from them, and gently redirecting our attention—whether to our breath, a focal point, or simply to what is arising in our awareness. This process of noticing and redirecting is the essence of meditation.

Applying Presence in Everyday Life

With practice, moments of stillness and clarity increase. However, the true value lies in applying this skill to everyday life. This practice is an antidote to what neuroscientists call the “default mode,” a state where we’re constantly caught up in the narratives running in our minds.

Imagine this: You’re speaking with a loved one, but your mind is occupied with what you have to do later. Suddenly, you become aware of your wandering thoughts, step back from them, and bring your attention fully to the person in front of you. You may get distracted again moments later, but each time you notice and refocus, you’re strengthening your ability to be present. Every moment becomes a fresh opportunity to start again.

Even if you think you don’t have 20 minutes to spare for meditation, consider this: Life is made up of ordinary moments at home and at work. Without mindfulness, we risk sleepwalking through them.

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” – Carl Jung

Benefits of Mindfulness for Leaders

Leaders who practice mindfulness often notice tangible benefits:

• More effective interactions
• Greater openness from others
• Increased creativity
• Reduced stress
• A sense of inner freedom
• Greater resilience
• More conscious decision-making
• Deeper self-understanding
• Increased responsibility for their lives
• More frequent moments of joy

There’s also abundant scientific research that underscores the benefits of the practice. For instance, studies from Harvard Medical School reveal that meditation not only reduces stress and protects the heart by lowering blood pressure, but it also induces physical changes in the brain. These changes include enlarging areas associated with learning and reducing areas linked to stress and anxiety, ultimately enhancing overall well-being and cognitive function (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021).

Final Thoughts

I don’t claim to have mastered the art of living fully in the present, but over the years, my ability to notice and shift has improved, and it’s hard to imagine life without this practice now.

I encourage you to take the next step in your journey—whether you’re just beginning or deepening an existing practice. Meditation has transformed the way we experience life, and we want to share that with you. Click here to discover how our team and clients integrate meditation into their daily routines and explore the tools that have helped us stay grounded, focused, and more present. You’ll also find personal insights and tips that might resonate with your own experience.