Being present is not the same as being calm.

Being present is being aware of how you feel. Calm is simply a feeling.

We often think feeling calm is good and feeling anxious, excited or disappointed is bad. In the same way we often feel sunshine is good and rain is bad. But it's all just weather, there is a time and place for each and lessons to learn and experiences to have.

Rather than trying to remain calm in this crazy world, maybe we cut ourselves some slack and allow ourselves to feel what ever it is we feel, without judgement, learning from the feeling, experiencing the full depth of the human emotion.

We can only accomplish that if we give ourselves the time and space to become aware of our feelings. That's where being present comes in.