The Power and Practice of Presence

What allows us to ride the waves of life with kindness and grace?

In a "world on fire", we often find ourselves breathless, reacting to external chaos while losing our internal anchor. We struggle to pace ourselves, frequently ignoring our body’s signals and depleting our energy until we feel disconnected from our own lives.

If we want to navigate these turbulent times, we must cultivate the power of presence. Yet, presence is not just a concept, it is a practice. Too often, we let the noise of the world drown out the thin river of solace that is available to us through mindful living and nonjudgmental awareness.

How do we return to ourselves? What would allow us to live in peace, no matter what we are given?

Drawing on decades of experience in the Kripalu tradition, I will explore the practical tools for reestablishing presence and self-compassion. We will survey how simple practices, from intentional breathing to honoring our natural pace, can help us shift from survival to a state of being "closer to fine".

I will also outline the steps for leaning toward solace and finding the strength to meet reality with an open heart. Our focus is to anchor ourselves in the present moment, ensuring that we move through the world with the courage and kindness required for true human flourishing.

Aruni Nan Futuronsky is a seasoned mindfulness coach and Kripalu Legacy Faculty member with over 30 years of experience. She is most renowned for her long-standing leadership of the Inner Quest Intensive, Kripalu’s signature retreat and longest-running "off-the-mat" yoga program. Through this transformative experience, Aruni guides seekers in the practice of self-observation without judgment to break old patterns and reclaim their authentic selves. Known for her unique blend of wisdom, humor, and depth, Aruni creates a profound container for presence, helping individuals navigate life’s transitions with radical compassion and clarity.

To find out more about Aruni's work, visit her website: https://coacharuni.com/

In a time marked by growing mental health pressures, uncertainty about the future of work, and increasing polarization, the Center for Human Flourishing lecture series equips students, faculty, staff, and community members with research-informed tools to move beyond coping toward flourishing.

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