DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

In the midst of our daily lives, filled with distractions, responsibilities, and endless mental chatter, there are fleeting moments where we experience something profound—a sense of deep presence. In these moments, something emerges that feels compassionate and strong, patient and wise, indomitable and of great value. This «something» is not separate from us; it is who we truly are. It is the «I» beyond name, beyond identity, beyond the constructs we typically associate with ourselves. To explore this deeper self, we must understand presence, its significance, and how to cultivate it in our lives.

What does it mean to be present?

Being present means fully inhabiting the current moment without distraction, judgment, or resistance. It is a state of pure awareness where we are not preoccupied with the past or anxious about the future. When we are truly present, our minds are not clouded by incessant thoughts or emotional turbulence; instead, we exist in a state of clarity and openness.

Presence is not merely an intellectual concept but a felt experience. It is an energetic shift from thinking to being. In this state, we do not rely on external validation or predefined identities to define us. Instead, we tap into something far more profound—our inherent beingness. This is the «I» that exists beyond the name, beyond the ego-driven self-image we have constructed over time.

The qualities of presence

When we are fully present, we embody qualities that feel both deeply personal and universally significant. Some of these qualities include:

• Compassion: Presence brings a natural outflow of compassion because it is free from judgment and resistance. When we are present, we see ourselves and others with kindness and understanding.
• Strength: This strength is not about control or dominance, but rather an unshakable inner stability. Presence allows us to remain grounded even in challenging circumstances.
• Patience: When we are present, time itself seems to shift. We no longer feel rushed or pressured. Instead, we meet each moment with patience and acceptance.
• Wisdom: Presence grants us access to an inner wisdom that is not merely intellectual but intuitive. It is a deep knowing that transcends logical reasoning.
• Indomitability: There is an indestructible essence within presence. No matter what happens externally, this inner state remains untouched and resilient.
• Value: Presence connects us to a sense of inherent worth. In the present moment, we do not need to achieve, prove, or seek approval—our very being is enough.

Who are we beyond name?

From the moment we are born, we are given a name, an identity, a set of roles and expectations. Society, culture, and personal experiences shape how we perceive ourselves. However, beneath all of these labels lies a deeper truth: our essential self, the «I» that exists beyond name and form.

This deeper self is not bound by personal history, societal labels, or even our thoughts. It is the awareness that observes all experiences yet remains untouched by them. Many spiritual traditions refer to this as the true self, the soul, pure consciousness, or simply «being.» Regardless of terminology, the essence remains the same—it is the unchanging, ever-present core of who we are.

How do we access this deeper presence?

Cultivating presence is both a practice and a way of life.

For me, it’s all about the pause… to reflect. Cause in the pause… to reflect the qualities of presence rises to the surface, by themselves. – Roald

Here are other methods to deepen our connection with the «I» beyond name:

1. Mindful awareness

Mindfulness is the art of being fully engaged in the present moment. By practicing mindfulness in everyday activities—whether eating, walking, or listening—we strengthen our ability to remain present.

2. Stillness

Regular stillness helps quiet the mind and reveals the presence that has always been there. Sitting in stillness, focusing – or practicing open awareness – allows us to rest in our essential beingness.

3. Letting go of identification

We often cling to personal narratives about who we are—our achievements, failures, beliefs, and fears. Recognizing that these are merely mental constructs helps us detach from them and experience the presence beneath.

4. Deep listening

When we listen deeply to others without formulating a response, we practice presence. True listening is an act of presence, and it strengthens our connection to both ourselves and those around us.

5. Observing the mind without attachment

Thoughts will arise, but presence is about observing them without getting entangled in them. This practice of witnessing our thoughts creates space between our awareness and mental activity.

6. Engaging with nature

Spending time in nature has a grounding effect, helping us align with the rhythms of life and fostering a natural state of presence.

7. Breath awareness

The breath is a powerful anchor to the present moment. Simply focusing on the inhale and exhale brings immediate awareness and stillness.

The transformational power of presence

When we cultivate presence, our entire experience of life shifts. We become less reactive and more responsive. We move through the world with grace, embodying the qualities of compassion, strength, and wisdom. Relationships deepen as we connect with others from a place of authenticity rather than pretense.

Moreover, presence dissolves many of the fears and anxieties that plague us. Fear thrives in the mind’s projections of the future, while presence anchors us in the reality of now. The more present we become, the more we realize that we are not separate from life—we are life itself. This realization is both liberating and empowering.

Challenges to presence and how to overcome them

While the concept of presence is simple, embodying it consistently can be challenging. Here are common obstacles and ways to navigate them:

• Overthinking: The mind constantly pulls us into analysis and planning. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help quiet mental noise.
• Emotional turbulence: Strong emotions can disrupt presence. Acknowledging emotions without suppression and allowing them to move through us helps maintain balance.
• Distractions: In a world filled with technology and information overload, setting boundaries with devices and prioritizing moments of stillness enhances presence.
• Conditioned identity: We are deeply conditioned to define ourselves through external factors. Regular self-inquiry helps dismantle false identities and align with our true nature.

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When we are truly present, something remarkable happens. We touch a state of being that is compassionate and strong, patient and wise, indomitable and invaluable. This is not something outside of us—it is who we are at our core. The «I» beyond name is not defined by our roles, achievements, or personal history; it is the ever-present awareness that witnesses all experience.

Cultivating presence is a lifelong journey, but with consistent practice, we can access this deeper self more frequently and profoundly. In doing so, we step into the fullness of who we truly are, experiencing life with clarity, authenticity, and peace.

Presence is not just a concept—it is the key to unlocking the deepest truth of our existence. – Roald Kvam