"What I notice the most is that my experience is more intense; I'm more present in the moment itself." Ingrid, one of the participants who completed the Transformational Presence Intensive Course last October, shared her insights with me last week, about four months after the program. I asked her about the impact of the training, which led to a wonderful conversation.

'Aside from the abundance of liberating and playful tools in the course, which consistently manifest their effects regardless of the form or setting, I find myself experiencing much more peace and confidence, especially in embracing the unknown. It's an invitation to feel more, to be less trapped in my thoughts. I'm becoming increasingly aware of my curiosity and open attitude towards what wants to unfold.'

'Recently, for the first time, I embarked on a spontaneous holiday trip, with only the first night booked. Everything else was open-ended. I hadn't researched potential attractions, didn't arrange accommodations, and just rented a car on the spot. I felt a lot of trust without it being directly based on anything.'

'And what was the most significant thing you noticed?' I asked her.

'My experience of what I was going through was much more intense. I had no expectations, so I wasn't comparing. Nor was I preoccupied with what might come next. I was purely in the moment, exploring, curious about what I would encounter. I also noticed it led to new impulses, ideas, and possibilities. We stumbled upon a beautiful alley spontaneously. Maybe we missed many things, but that's not important. It's that intensified experience of the moment itself, from moment to moment, that made that vacation so beautiful.'

Her words resonated with me, articulating a similar experience I've had in recent months. Last summer, Maartje and I decided to go to the movies more often. She reads reviews in the newspaper and watches trailers while I consciously avoid doing so. We've been to the cinema four times now, with me having no idea about the movie we were about to watch. Once, I didn't even know the title as a surprise. The effect is exactly as Ingrid described: my experience of the movie is more intense, and I immerse myself in it without comparing ('I liked the book better' or 'that review completely missed the mark') or expecting anything. It makes my experience much richer and more complete.

In essence, Ingrid was talking about a changed attitude towards life, more open, receptive, curious, and exploring from a place of inner peace and trust. 

I invite you to consciously adopt that attitude this week in something you undertake. And then notice what might be different for you, how you experience the activity differently, possibly more intensely or richer.

I wish you a lot of joy in discovery!"