The Paradox of Being Present to Place- Erika Sikon

A person is able to occupy a space without actually “dwelling” within a place. An example of this spiritually would be at a church. When you are little your parents bring you to church with them. Usually you spend your time in the pews coloring or getting walked out of the church to a class during the readings. You are them brought back into the church for communion. So although you were in church, you were not actually in the church. Your mind is too immature to understand what is going on around you. You are more worried about coloring the shepherd and sheep on the fun page or playing with your friends.

Another example would be in the classroom. You are sitting in the class room but your mind is thinking about what you are going to do this weekend. You are not engaged in the class or focused on what is being taught. Therefore, although you are present you are gaining nothing by being present.