11/11/2026
Whatโs so hard about being present? Why can something that sounds so simple feel so difficult?
In the busyness of everyday life, we can move away from our feelings without even realising it. Work, family commitments, responsibilities and other demands on our attention can leave little room to notice whatโs happening within us.
We might find ourselves pushing through difficult moments, putting our feelings to one side and getting on with whatโs next. Often itโs not until we slow down that we begin to notice whatโs been going on beneath the surface.
Have you ever had the experience of finally sitting down, with nothing particularly wrong in that moment, only to find yourself feeling angry, sad or anxious?
Sometimes, when the distractions fall away and we become more connected to our bodies, feelings that we havenโt had much space to attend to can begin to surface.
And this is where being present can become difficult.
For some of us, staying busy can also become a way of keeping distance from uncomfortable feelings. We move from one thing to another, finding it difficult to stop, even when weโre tired or need a moment to ourselves.
Over time, we can become so accustomed to being in this state of doing that simply stopping and being with ourselves can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
The work, then, isnโt about forcing ourselves to be still or expecting ourselves to suddenly feel at ease. Itโs about gradually building our capacity to be present, noticing whatโs happening within us and finding ways to stay with our experience, gently and at our own pace.
Horses are wonderful teachers of presence. They respond to whatโs happening around them in real time, inviting us to slow down, notice ourselves and become more aware of our own experience. Through this connection, we can begin to explore what it feels like to be present with ourselves, without needing to rush away or change what weโre feeling.
