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Power of The Present

Posted on: April 15, 2010by Dr Kim Dr Hil

Now is all there is

You have heard it said before, NOW is all there is. When you truly understand this, it will transform your experience of how you use time to create results. There is no past or future happening now. You only have power in this present moment; the past and future are merely projections you are creating right now.

Remembering the Past and Preparing for the Future

Your ability to create your goals and dreams lives in the present moment. Most people spend most of their time remembering the past and preparing for the future. This lowers your vibration and inhibits true happiness. Think of how much time you spend wondering what you are going to do next, planning and preparing or thinking about what already occurred. The one true thing we know about the past is that it is no longer here. If you really think about it, isn't it true that nothing will ever happen in the future; it will happen only in the Now. Now is all there is. The present moment holds the key to liberation. Always say yes to the power of the present moment.

People avoid the present because they aren't happy in the present and they believe once they get what they think they want or what they think will make them happy then they will finally be happy.

Transport Your Mind

Think about something that happened yesterday.
Now shift your attention to your plans for tomorrow.
Now shift your attention to the next minute from now.
Now bring your attention to this moment. Are you focused on what is happening right here and now?
Rest your mind in the present for a few seconds.

Creative Power of the Present

This simple exercise demonstrates how easy it is to transport your mind to the past or the future. When you are remembering the past or preparing for the future, you miss the creative power of the present. In the same way you focused your attention out of the present you can bring it back in.

Presence Practice
Breathe
Notice your surroundings
Notice how you feel
Notice what is happening in the moment

Being present is a daily, moment to moment practice. It takes intention and energy to be present but it is the most important work there is.

Coaching and Counseling

Hilary Stokes Ph.D. and Kim Ward Ph.D. have been a team for 20 years, specializing in mind, body, spirit psychology. They are the authors of the bestselling books The Happy Map: Your roadmap to the habit of happiness and Manifesting Mindset: The 6-step formula for attracting your goals and dreams and founders of Authenticity Associates Coaching and Counseling. They are passionate about combining the best of holistic and traditional approaches to health and happiness. If you are interested in learning the answers to the most frequently asked questions on how to decrease stress and increase happiness sign up for their free video series.

About the Authors

Hilary Stokes Phd

HIlary Stokes, Ph.D., LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist in California with more than 25 years of clinical experience, specializing in trauma therapy, PTSD treatment, anxiety, depression, and nervous system healing. She holds Master's degrees in Clinical Social Work and Kinesiology and Sports Psychology and a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialization in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology. Dr. Stokes is extensively trained and certified in brainspotting, EMDR, somatic therapy and other mind body approaches. Her integrative work bridges neuroscience, mindfulness, and holistic psychology to help clients process unresolved trauma, rewire stress patterns, and build emotional resilience.

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Dr. Stokes’ clinical approach is informed by advanced professional training and her own healing journey from complex trauma, which shaped her commitment to therapies that go beyond traditional talk therapy. She has worked in psychiatric hospitals, addiction and PTSD treatment centers, universities, integrative medical facilities, and private practice. As co-developer of the psychology and wellness programming at Sanoviv Medical Institute, she witnessed firsthand the power of integrating mind and body for lasting transformation. Today she helps individuals heal trauma, strengthen emotional regulation and reclaim purpose through brainspotting, EMDR, somatic therapy and mindfulness interventions.

Kim Ward Phd

Kim Ward, Ph.D. holds both a masters and a doctorate in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialization in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology. She brings more than 25 years of experience in trauma recovery, Brainspotting and mind-body transformation. She is extensively trained and certified in Brainspotting, somatic therapy, and trauma-informed approaches. Dr. Ward integrates neuroscience, nervous system regulation and consciousness-based psychology to help individuals process unresolved trauma, shift limiting beliefs, and access greater emotional resilience. Her work focuses on healing at the root, beyond symptom management, through brain-body therapies that create lasting change.

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As co-developer of the psychology and wellness programs at Sanoviv Medical Institute, Dr. Ward brings a uniquely holistic perspective to trauma therapy and personal growth. Her path from corporate leadership into psychology shaped her commitment to helping clients move beyond external success toward embodied fulfillment and emotional freedom. Dr. Ward's expertise combines Brainspotting, emotional intelligence, contemplative psychology and purpose-driven coaching. Drawing from both advanced academic training and lived experience navigating complex family mental health dynamics, she supports clients in transforming stress patterns, reclaiming vitality, and aligning with authentic purpose.