
As we begin 2025, I find myself contemplating the universal need for safety, connection, presence, and meaning in our lives and work, while recognizing how fear provoking and polarizing the daily headlines have become and how easy it is to get hooked (and then stuck) in a stress response where we disconnect and doom scroll.
Recent studies suggest that cultivating present-moment awareness can significantly influence mental health, stress levels, and emotional wellness. For high-achievers juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, returning to a state of presence (also known as “the green zone”) after experiencing a stress activation is crucial for effective decision-making and taking actions that are aligned with your values.

The Power of Presence to Support us through Challenging Times
I like to define presence as a state of being fully aware of what's happening around us, as well as our inner state. This is expressed as the thoughts, energy and sensations happening inside us in response to what’s going on externally. It's closely connected to our nervous system's state - specifically, the social engagement branch of our parasympathetic nervous system. When anchored in our social engagement system, we feel connected, resourced and receptive to others.
Operating from this zone means we feel equipped to navigate challenges, engage effectively, and lead others toward a shared vision.

I recently returned from a hiking trip through Zion National Park, where the majesty and vastness of the mountains and valleys reminded me that presence goes deeper than our visible relationships. It connects us to all that is - to infinite awareness - to a state of awe and wonder.
Standing amidst the towering cliffs and breathtaking vistas, I felt a profound sense of calm, clarity and connection.
This connection to nature offered a powerful reminder of our innate capacity for expansion, patience, strength and transformation.
Navigating Challenges with Present Moment Awareness:
As I write this, Los Angeles has been ravaged by fires, and politically, it feels like chaos reigns. Many of us feel overwhelmed and disconnected from our sense of agency, optimism, and power. In these moments, there's an invitation to break the cycle of "going it alone" and acknowledge that we aren't designed to carry the world's weight by ourselves.
For those of us experiencing stress and the burden of care, sharing burdens and our vision for the future with teams, partners, and growth-oriented community members can transform our perception of what's possible. By intentionally noticing glimmers - (everyday moments of beauty, awe, and wonder) - while accepting that the world we live in is flawed and imperfect - then allowing ourselves to breathe deeply and relax our tense bodies and muscles, we can find a path to wellness and more effective leadership - we can return to a state of presence.
Reclaiming Our Power Through Presence:
Somatic mindfulness is about reclaiming our power, presence, and agency through direct, embodied experiences. It's not about sitting still; it's about actively engaging with experiences that root us in the moment. When we ground ourselves and come home to our bodies, we discover a portal to clarity, connection, and what truly matters - essential qualities for any leader.
Try these practices:
The Pause: A Practice in Self-InquiryBefore making important decisions, give yourself space to reflect:
Am I in a ventral vagal state, feeling safe and connected? Try this 1-minute tracking practice to shift from a state of hypervigilance to presence
Will this choice nourish me or deplete me?
How might I honour and meet my needs and then extend that care and attunement to others?
Rewrite the Script on Validation by considering these prompts as you envision your leadership roles:
What would I pursue if I weren't worried about how others perceive me?
How can I model presence and self-care for myself, my team, and my family?
What would it feel like to celebrate accomplishments more regularly?
A New Kind of Leadership Generosity
Treat yourself as you would a beloved friend: nurture yourself with adequate rest, empowering conversations, and growth opportunities.
Schedule non-negotiable time for activities that replenish and restore you and encourage your team/family members to do the same.
Practice setting healthy boundaries: they're not barriers; they help relationships and teams thrive.
To embody self-care, I invite you to explore a short practice that helps you return to presence by attuning to your needs and making decisions aligned with your well-being. This video guides you through embodying your "yes" and "no”.. You can find this practice here: Embody Your Yes and No
An Invitation to you for 2025:
I invite you to join us in deepening our connections—to ourselves and the world around us. Consider welcoming in more spaciousness and curiosity, recognizing that every interaction offers a chance to understand ourselves better, to offer compassion, and to expand our capacity to engage and lead change.
Building and sustaining connection, strength, and resilience is a continuous journey of self-awareness, patience, and kindness.
Together, we can create the conditions for everyone to flourish.
For those interested in the science behind presence and its impact on our well-being, I highly recommend exploring these resources on Polyvagal Theory, which offer valuable insights into how our nervous system influences our behaviour and emotional states.