Thoughts V

Leaning into the Presence of What is Present

By: Herb Stevenson

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In this fifth edition, the adventure and humor continues with DocKnow, Tom, Walks
with Woman and White Horse illuminating that meaning making often hinders
presence as the mind quickly leaps into perceptions as if they are facts. This leads to
a lively realization that paying attention can be done mindlessly like being on
automatic pilot or it can be done mindfully so that the presence of what is present is
actually revealed. As their journey continues, it is revealed that there are stages of
listening that reflect the degree of mindfulness and conscious awareness that
determines the level of presence. DocKnow adds to the discussion by noting the
stages of becoming present to what is present is a move between doing and being in
successive stages of development. Throughout the journey, DocKnow continues to
twist and turn Tom’s mind as if to help him break free of his self-determined
perception as a catalyst to further awaken him. The seven Essenes are introduced to
indicate that most of what is perceived as real is actually a mirror image of oneself of
moments or experiences that are internally rejected. Tom flounders time and again
until he begins to expand not only his perception but his experiences of what is real
and what is possible.