Being present to presence

Have you ever found yourself preparing for something big – racing from one task to the next, your mind bouncing between thoughts, only to realise that you’ve lost track of what you meant to do in the first place? The closer the event gets, the more overwhelming it becomes.

In the previous parsha, Parashat Yitro, Moses is called to relay messages between G-d and the people of Israel, climbing the mountain and coming down no less than seven times. Can you imagine doing this physically? And metaphorically? Each ascent and descent, each new task pulling you further from your centre. But in this week’s parsha, Parashat Mishpatim, we hear a profound call from G-d in Exodus 24:12: “And G-d said to Moses, come up to me on the mountain, and be there…”

The Kotzker Rebbe, an 18th-19th century Hasidic teacher, pointed out the apparent redundancy in G-d’s call: Why say “come up” and “be there”? As the Kotzker teaches, it’s possible to climb many mountains and still not be there. We can be physically present, surrounded by loved ones and blessings, and yet not truly experience the moment. In fact, we may spend so much time worrying about the next step or being pulled in multiple directions that we lose the ability to truly connect to the present moment, think clearly, and appreciate what there is.

This is where the call to “be there” resonates so powerfully. Using an element of Bibliodrama, in which we enter the characters’ worlds to explore both theirs and our own, I invite you to join me in a visualisation, a journey Moses took to ascend and be there. This practice can be used whenever you feel like you’ve been climbing, ascending to new heights, but not fully arriving at the moment.

Take a slow, deep breath. As you inhale, feel the air filling your lungs, and as you exhale, release all tension. Sit comfortably. Feel your feet grounded, and your body supported. Relax your arms, your shoulders, your neck, and your face. Breathe in deeply, then exhale slowly, feeling the air at your nostrils – calm and steady.

You are on a journey. At the bottom of the mountain your people, the people you have cared for deeply. You feel the warmth of their love as you ascend toward the cloud where G-d awaits.

The mountain air is fresh. You feel safe, supported. As you climb higher, you start noticing the small details around you – pebbles, flowers, butterflies, and birds – feeling gratitude for each moment, each breath.

At the summit, the world around you feels timeless. The sun and the moon continue their eternal dance, but your heart remains steady. You feel open and grounded in this moment. Ready for meeting the ultimate Presence.

Then, you hear the Voice. It calls you in, and you step into the cloud, enveloped by presence, wonder, and peace. Taking slow deep breaths, you are absorbing this sacred feeling.

When you’re ready, gratitude filling you, you start taking your leave. You notice a smile in the corner of your mouth. As you meet others, you see softness in their eyes. When you return to your tasks, you do them with presence. Everything feels easier and better. You move your body, your fingers and toes, and take this feeling of calm with you. And you know you can always return!

May our ability to return to the Presence and the practice of being present fill our lives and those around us with peace, transformative insight, and wonderment.