The Power of Presence: A Journey to Slowing Down

By Nicole Santoro

Lately, I’ve been experiencing life in a way that feels entirely new—yet completely natural. By truly being present in each moment, I’ve noticed my mind isn’t constantly flooded with thoughts. In fact, I’ve even found it more difficult to think of topics to write about, simply because I’m no longer lost in endless mental chatter. Life has slowed down, my pulse has slowed, and I recently told a friend that I feel like I’m becoming the wise turtle from Kung Fu Panda.

As I settle into this slower rhythm, I’ve come to realize some profound shifts happening in my body, mind, and spirit.

Healing Through Presence

One of the most unexpected benefits of this transformation has been the near disappearance of my digestive issues. I firmly believe that when the body is caught in stress, anxiety, or the pressure to move faster than its natural pace, it creates imbalances that manifest as physical symptoms. Heartburn, digestive discomfort, and other ailments can become intensified simply because we are not allowing ourselves to exist in a state of ease. By slowing down and being fully present, my body has found its own rhythm—one that promotes healing instead of strain.

Freedom from Comparison

Another shift I’ve noticed is the complete absence of comparison. The need to measure myself against others, to strive toward someone else’s version of success, or to prove myself in any way—it’s all gone. There is no competition, only deep appreciation for my own path and equal honor for the paths of those around me. Everyone is exactly where they are meant to be, and there is profound beauty in that realization.

Becoming Magnetic

Something truly fascinating happens when you stop chasing and start being—everything you desire naturally comes to you. When we’re present, fully immersed in the now, we become magnetic. Animals, children, and adults alike, sense this energy. There’s a deep ease, an unspoken connection, and an openness that invites others into the same space of presence.

The Impact on Healing Work

Perhaps the most powerful realization of all has been how this state of being affects my healing sessions. Coming into each session with full presence allows me to hold space in a way I never could before. It creates an unbreakable connection with each client, a deep resonance where healing can unfold naturally. There is no force, no rush—only a complete surrender to the moment and the energy that flows within it.

Embracing the Slow Life

What I’ve learned is that slowing down isn’t about doing less—it’s about being more. More aware, more aligned, more in tune with the natural flow of life. In this space, healing happens, clarity emerges, and the world seems to unfold effortlessly around you.

So if you find yourself caught in the rush, constantly pushing forward, I invite you to pause. Breathe. Let yourself be. You might just find that everything you’ve been searching for has been waiting for you to slow down enough to notice it.