The Task of Presence

Annie Dillard once wrote, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” This quote often leads to a focus on the tasks themselves: emails, desk work, and workflow. However, this perspective can lead to dissatisfaction, as we may yearn for more idyllic experiences. But there’s another way to view this quote.

Shifting the Lens

If we look at Dillard’s words through a lens of presence, the picture changes. What energy are we putting into our tasks? Who are we connecting with? Are we rushing through, or are we fully focused? How are we physically showing up? Are we mindful of our posture and how we engage with our tools?

The Results of Daily Tasks

A wise colleague shared, “It’s the results of those daily tasks” – the connections, the insights, the listening – “those are the moments that show what we do with our days.” These moments reveal how we are spending our lives.

Presence as the Key

When we remember that presence is the most rewarding part of our daily practice, we find satisfaction in how we are living. While we may still prefer other activities, we can find peace in recognizing that life is about more than just surface actions. It is about how we are being.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it is how we are being that matters, regardless of the task list. “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Indeed.