Asking for Presence

Watercolor and graphite on paper

This week, inspiration led me to Maria Popova twice. Her work on Brain Pickings has nourished me, intellectually and creatively, for many years.

While I was reviewing articles and inspirations from years past, I came across the Brain Pickings article “9 Learnings from 9 Years of Brain Pickings” which I had printed out circa 2015, knowing that, one day, I would seek its wisdom once again.

Popova’s 6th learning is,

“Presence is far more intricate and rewarding an art than productivity.”

Today, I was reminded of a guiding force my life has experienced: the art of presence. In a project like CognEYEzant, productivity often finds itself at the forefront of my mind. Yet, art asks for presence, perhaps–much like a child–demands presence, one moment at a time.

When was the last time presence demanded your attention?