Presidential Presence – Keeping our wits about us.

I think Eckhart Tolle’s classic book The Power of Now has never been more applicable than today.

Elections are a time of intense focus, discussion, and, often, division. Once the ballots are counted and the results declared, the emotional aftermath seems as turbulent as the lead-up. For many around me, the recent presidential election has left a full array of feelings of hope, fear, frustration, and uncertainty. Amid this swirl of emotions, one powerful way to maintain balance and calm is to practice staying present.

Staying present doesn’t mean ignoring the consequences of the election or failing to engage with important issues. Instead, I believe it means resisting the Knower/Judger urge to project hypothetical futures that often lead to stress and conflict. Frequent “sky-is-falling” projections are the purview of the K/J’s frustration with unmet expectations. It feels good to be pissed off!

Our K/Js are naturally wired to think ahead. Planning and anticipating are essential for survival and success. However, after something as emotionally charged as this past election, I think this forward-thinking tendency can become counterproductive. Questions like What if policies hurt my family? or What if the economy collapses? can spiral into deep and endless worry. These thoughts often reflect worst-case scenarios that may never occur, yet they have the power to create very real stress and tension today—right now.

Projecting into the future can also strain relationships. Political conversations, already fraught with differing K/J “truths,” can become even more divisive when based on speculative fears. Rather than fostering understanding, these discussions often lead to argument and mistrust as individuals defend their projections rather than focusing on shared realities.

Staying present is not about denial or disengagement—it’s about reclaiming your mental and emotional energy. There are some measurable benefits to getting your K/J projections under control in the wake of an election.

Anxiety often thrives on uncertainty, and elections inherently carry uncertainty. When I stay present, I interrupt the cycle of worry that feeds stress. Instead of fretting over what might happen, I have Learner/Researcher room to acknowledge what is happening and hopefully respond thoughtfully.

Grounding myself in the present strengthens my ability to cope with challenges. By focusing on what I can do right now rather than what might go wrong later, I believe I put myself in a position to face subsequent difficulties with better clarity and resolve.

When I stay present, I listen more fully and engage with others without the weight of my own K/J projections. Engaging my L/R can open the door to understanding, collaboration, and even healing across political divides. I simply can’t do that when entrenched in my K/J cement.

Think about it: The present is the only time when action is possible. The past is the past, and worrying about the future consumes energy that could be used to make a difference now—whether through conversation, advocacy, education, or community involvement.

Cultivating an L/R-present-focused mindset takes practise, but I’ve seen it as a skill anyone can develop. Following are ideas on how to stay more grounded, even after a contentious election.

1. 1. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the current moment without judgment. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or even simple awareness exercises can help calm the mind and anchor you in the here and now. For example, when you become aware that your thoughts begin to race, try focusing on your breath, observing its rhythm, and gently bringing your mind back whenever it wanders. (I’ve personally found this difficult to do, but extremely productive when
   2. I try limiting exposure to speculative media. While staying informed and gathering data is important, overconsumption of news and commentary—especially speculative or emotionally charged content and content that mirrors the K/J narrative—can amplify stress. I try to set boundaries for media consumption, and I focus on reliable and diverse sources looking for facts or at least differing opinions.
   3. I’ve found focusing on gratitude helpful in accessing my L/R. It’s hard to be angry when I realize my genuine fortune to be living where, when, and how I’ve been privileged to do so. You can reflect on what you’re grateful for right now. Gratitude can shift attention away from fear and toward positive aspects of life, fostering a sense of contentment and stability.
   4. If pressed into discussing politics or the election, focusing on what’s real and actionable today helps me. By keeping my K/J at bay, I can avoid falling into debates about worst-case Instead, we can explore shared goals or gratitudes and ways to work together in the present.

When individuals embrace a present-focused mindset, I’ve seen the benefits ripple outward. It’s been a key process of my coaching to nurture team members away from some iron-clad K/J perspectives (often complete opposites) and engage the L/R.  Families, workplaces, and communities become less reactive and more collaborative. By choosing to focus on what’s happening now rather than fighting over what might happen, I’ve watched people bridge divides and foster a sense of unity—even in the face of political (national or company or even volunteer organization) differences.

The recent U.S. national election, like any significant political event, has clearly stirred strong emotions and prompted big questions about the future. These reactions are natural, but they don’t have to dictate my mental and emotional state. By choosing to stay present, I can navigate this period with greater calm and purpose.

Staying in the present is a gift to yourself and those around you. It reduces stress, strengthens relationships, and enables you to take meaningful action where it matters most—in the here and now. In a world seemingly designed to pull us toward worry and division, the power of the present moment is a useful tool for calm and progress. Embrace it, and I think you’ll find that no matter what lies ahead, you have the tools to meet it with clarity and resilience.