Week 9: Chapter 8 — Be Present

1.Jennie describes the experience of being with someone who is truly, fully present — no phone, no distraction, completely there. Can you think of someone in your life who makes you feel that way? What does their presence do for you? What do they do (or not do) that communicates that you have their full attention?

2.She is direct about smartphones and social media as one of the greatest enemies of real presence. Honestly assess your own phone habits during time with friends or family. What do your phone habits communicate to the people you're with? What would change if you implemented one simple boundary — like phones away during shared meals?

3.Jennie talks about the difference between being physically in the room and actually being present — two very different things. What tends to pull you mentally out of a conversation even when you're physically there? Anxiety about what's next? Rehearsing what you're going to say? Comparison or envy?