What Does It Mean to Be Truly Present?

Claire met her friend Julia for coffee after a particularly busy week. Julia had been dealing with a difficult situation at work and wanted to talk about it.

As Julia explained what had happened, Claire listened while checking a message on her phone. She put it down, but soon her attention drifted to an unfinished task waiting for her at home. She caught parts of what Julia was saying and nodded at the right moments.

After a while, Claire asked a question Julia had already answered.

Julia paused. “I just told you,” she said.

Claire apologized and put her phone away. Julia continued for a little while, but her answers became shorter. Before long, she began asking Claire about her week instead.

Claire followed the change in subject. They talked about work, weekend plans, and a restaurant Julia wanted to try. When the coffee was finished, they said goodbye and went their separate ways. 

A Question to Explore
How do you experience being present with others?