This is a write-up sent to me by my old friend Ivan Doskocil. Its full title is:
Presenting / Zpřítomnění: Being in the Present Moment Without Judgment
In recent years, the term mindfulness has become widely popular, yet its meaning often remains vague and, at times, misleading. Historically, the concept derives from the Buddhist notion of sati, commonly translated as “memory” or “recollection.” In contemporary usage, however, mindfulness is frequently reduced to the simple act of observing the present moment. In many languages—including Czech—its translations emphasize noticing or paying attention, which only partially captures what is actually at stake. The essence of the practice is not merely noticing, but being present without judgment.
For this reason, it is useful to introduce a clearer and more precise term: Presenting in English and zpřítomnění in Czech. Both refer to a process of consciously entering into direct contact with the present moment. This is not meditation, concentration training, or a relaxation technique. Rather, it is a stance of openness and neutrality toward one’s immediate experience. It is the capacity to be present in the body, in emotions, and in thoughts without the reflexive impulse to evaluate, analyze, or modify what is happening.
At its core, presenting is based on three interconnected principles: a non-judgmental attitude toward experience, direct contact with what is occurring here and now, and grounding in reality. One learns to relate to sensations, emotions, thoughts, and the surrounding environment as they are, without immediately interpreting or labeling them. This stance not only deepens self-contact but also supports clearer decision- making, greater emotional stability, and a more nuanced sensitivity to the world.
Presenting—or zpřítomnění—is relevant for anyone seeking a more grounded relationship with their life: for people under stress, for professionals working under pressure, for therapists and coaches who aim to help others regain contact with themselves, and for anyone interested in meeting reality as it unfolds. Unlike mindfulness, presenting is linguistically and conceptually clean, secular, and practically applicable, free from historical or cultural baggage that can obscure its meaning.
Put simply, presenting is the ability to enter the present moment as it is, without judgment or preconception. It offers a way of inhabiting one’s life more fully— meeting reality directly and, in doing so, cultivating inner stability, openness, and a deeper alignment with the world around us.
~ by Ivan Doskcil
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