Gift of Presence

Clarity

“Through inward quiet and a free attention, where our energies are not locked in unnecessary tension or scrambled within our ranging thoughts, a new form of clarity may emerge: a clearing of the inner turbulence. We can begin to see what is, with a heightened clarity, and experience the moment in a deeper, cleaner, and simpler manner.”

David Ulrich (“Inner Grace: Charisma and Presence” Parabola, Summer, 2020, p.18)

          In his article Inner Grace, David Ulrich writes about the difference between charisma and presence. Charisma, he says, is a sort of animal magnetism that seems to come both from grace and from force of personality. A charismatic person can attract and mobilize others. Some people appear to be born with a larger charismatic field around them that draws people in and influences their actions—unfortunately, it can be used for both good and evil, depending upon the character of the person. John F. Kennedy had tremendous charisma, and, apparently, so did Adolph Hitler.

          Presence, on the other hand, comes from a richly developed inner sanctum of heart energy. Ram Dass was a good example of someone who developed presence. He started out entirely in his head: a Harvard trained psychologist engaged in research on the effects and potential uses of LSD and psilocybin. But he became a man so transformed by his practice of transcendental meditation that others described him as “emitting light, luminous.” Ram Dass said, “Go inside. The outside is seductive. Inside, you’ll find loving awareness.” His dedication to meditation brought him through many levels of consciousness to an inner space he could only describe as “home.”

          Most of us have had the opportunity to meet charismatic people—it is a potent gift of the Spirit—attractive, persuasive, even seductive. If we are fortunate, we have also met persons with presence. They seem more substantial, rooted in an earthy authenticity that is unmistakably real. Both types are gifted at moving the minds and actions of others, but only one is always positive. Presence is an earned gift of the Spirit. It requires a deep understanding of one’s self and, because of the self-work, produces an even deeper compassion for others. It is rare and precious. And, it produces the kind of clarity that the world needs right now. If you have it, there’s never been a better time to share your gift.

                                                  In the Spirit,

                                                  Jane