During The Brilliant Rebellion’s first Soul Mixer, the focus was on exploring presence as a practice, a gift, and a gateway to richer, more meaningful experiences. Through grounding exercises, open discussions, and personal reflections, participants discovered the profound impact presence can have on their lives.

The Infinite Now: A Call to Presence

Presence, as discussed during the call, is about fully inhabiting the moment—not dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. Dan shared his personal story of rediscovering presence after years of running a marketing agency, describing his mind as perpetually “redlining,” with thoughts racing at 10,000 RPM. It wasn’t until he slowed down and allowed himself to simply “be” that he experienced the profound peace and joy that presence brings.

This shift in perspective revealed that the mental chatter about past regrets or future anxieties often robs us of the richness of now. Depression, he explained, can stem from clinging to the past, while anxiety arises from fearing the future. Presence offers an antidote, allowing us to focus our energy on the only moment we can truly control: the present.

Practicing Presence: Small Steps, Big Impact

To anchor the discussion in practicality, participants were guided through a grounding exercise. They were invited to notice the sensations in their bodies, from the bottoms of their feet to the rhythm of their breath, and to ask themselves, “Am I here right now?” This simple yet profound question became a touchstone throughout the session, encouraging everyone to reconnect with their bodies and the moment at hand.

Melanie and other participants shared tools and practices to cultivate presence in daily life. These included:

• Mindful Transitions: Taking a moment to recenter before walking through a door or starting a new task.

• Intentional Listening: Engaging in conversations without planning a response or letting the mind wander.

• Silent Walks: Leaving behind distractions like music or phones to fully experience the environment.

• Mirror Practices: Spending time with oneself in the mirror, fostering intimacy and self-awareness.

The Challenges of Staying Present

The conversation also touched on the barriers to presence. One participant shared the difficulty of being present while snowboarding, where focus is essential, but distractions—like ensuring their dog’s behavior—still crept in. Others reflected on the mental pull of trying to “perform” presence, such as monitoring facial expressions to meet perceived social expectations.

Melanie reframed these challenges as opportunities for self-compassion. Presence, she emphasized, is not about perfection but about noticing when we’re not fully here and gently bringing ourselves back. This practice requires grace, patience, and an understanding that presence is a continual journey rather than a destination.

Breakout Insights: Being Seen and Seeing Others

In small breakout groups, participants explored two poignant questions: “Am I here right now?” and “When was the last time someone truly saw me?” These conversations surfaced the importance of being both fully present with others and deeply connected to oneself.

One participant noted the transformative power of being fully seen by other entrepreneurs, finding validation in shared experiences. Another reflected on the vulnerability required to be seen, acknowledging that hiding from others often stems from an inability to stay present with oneself.

The discussion also highlighted how shared human experiences, such as grief, can foster profound connection. By being present in moments of vulnerability, participants found a deeper sense of unity and understanding.

Expanding Presence Beyond Conversations

The call extended the idea of presence to everyday activities. Melanie posed a thought-provoking challenge: When was the last time you walked the dog, prepared a meal, or went to the mailbox without the interference of a phone or other distractions? Even mundane tasks, she explained, can become profound when approached with presence.

Participants were reminded of the rejuvenating power of silence, which often feels uncomfortable in a noisy world. One person shared their move from a bustling city to a quieter environment, noting how the absence of constant noise initially felt disorienting but ultimately became a source of peace.

Commitments to Presence

As the call drew to a close, participants were invited to share their commitments for the coming weeks. These included:

• Practicing presence during video calls by avoiding multitasking.

• Setting aside moments of silence for reflection and grounding.

• Observing triggers and exploring the emotions they bring up.

• Fostering self-intimacy through mirror practices and mindful pauses.

Melanie closed with a powerful reminder: Presence begins with ourselves. By fully inhabiting our own experiences, we create space to genuinely connect with others, our environment, and the larger flow of life.

A Community Rooted in Presence

The first Soul Mixer set a high bar for the kind of transformative experiences The Brilliant Rebellion aims to create. Through shared stories, thoughtful practices, and a collective commitment to growth, the call exemplified the power of presence—not just as an abstract ideal, but as a lived and embodied practice.

For those ready to deepen their connection to the present moment, the invitation is clear: Join the journey and discover what it means to truly be here, now.