Everyone is talking about presence these days and it's not even nearly Christmas. As mindfulness meditation becomes increasingly popular, people are starting to be introduced to the idea of presence. Mindfulness is about practising presence. I was talking to my girlfriend’s mother about this idea and she had the good sense to ask, “ but what does it actually mean to be present?” I was stumped as I tried to describe it. I kept fumbling around for the right words. Granted, she is Spanish and English is her second language, but even without this barrier, I would have failed to clearly explain it. I know what it feels like it to be present as I have practised it in meditation. But unless you have experienced it yourself, it would be like describing the colour green to a blind person.