Tag Archives: Being Present

Being Present

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By Aaron Harder

Have you ever had those moments when you just zone out? Not because of what was going on around you was boring, but because you had so much else on your mind. I find that during times of stress or business I have a hard time staying in the moment.

However, I sometimes struggle with paying attention to things when life is great. Staying present and in the moment can be challenging, but important.

Here are two reasons it is important to be in the moment and to be present during happy times:

  1. DON’T PUT ALL OF YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET. This might sound negative, but if you are really excited about something in your life (you start dating someone, get into your top college, get a puppy, etc.) it is easy to put all your excitement and joy in that relationship, school, or thing. However, this can be dangerous because that relationship or thing may not always be there. If it leaves, so does your joy. Life is much bigger than any one relationship; activity, college, or thing so enjoy all life offers.
  2. VALUING OTHERS. I notice that when I have something in my life that is a big enough deal to me (what college I want to go, what job I will do, who I will date etc.), I spend most of my energy thinking about this thing. Sometimes, so much so that when others are talking to me, I tune them out so I can think about whatever it is that’s on my mind. However, not listening to someone can be incredibly devaluing, you’re insinuating that whatever they have to say is not as important as what you want to think about. Do not tune others out, what they have to say is important, and listening to others is a great way to practice selflessness.

 

I am not saying that choosing a college, dating someone, or getting a puppy is not important, these things can be incredibly important. However, listening to others is equally of value and importance. Being present in a conversation or class values whoever you’re talking to, plus learning how to stay present and in the moment will teach you how to enjoy that big moment you’re looking forward to even more. The next best thing to one source of joy is two sources of joy, so stay in the moment and enjoy where you are at.

Being Present

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By Aaron Carter

As a Film and Digital Media major, my work involves wearing many different hats. Some days I set up lights in a studio, or operate a camera.  Other days I’m working on a screenplay, editing a film, or maybe even working with actors! One of my favorite jobs is working with sound. Some of my most memorable moments were those spent in the recording studio at Castellaw. I have recorded everything from punching sound effects to radio dramas. I have recorded audio and dialog for entire movies there—alone in the little soundproof room, waving my arms around like an idiot, trying to produce what I thought a scared frog might sound like.

I have however learned that the room is not completely soundproof. I was recording a series. This means I made the sound about twenty times over the course of a minute, got into it. One time I was imitating what it might sound like to get shot, and I got really into it. While I was recording, I noticed someone looking through the window on the door and they took off laughing. I was almost embarrassed. Almost. But I knew that I needed to craft the best voice effects possible, even if it meant looking like a fool! If I had tried to play it cool and produce that, it never would have worked. Your throat goes dry and you do things quietly and the work always turns out bad.

What I mean to say is this: If you do not allow yourself to be completely present while you’re working, you are usually wasting your time. Nothing amazing can be done halfheartedly. That does not mean you must like everything you do. But you must do everything to the best of your ability, even if it involves getting weird looks!