At the Stages we acknowledge that to be present also means to ground ourself and not dissociate

At the Stages we acknowledge that to be present also means to ground ourself and not dissociate, daydream, suppress or numb our emotions. Being present means listening to ourself. Feeling the pain of sadness, hurt, and fear is most challenging and difficult. At the same time avoiding the emotions which result in our negative consequences/dysfunctions/addictions, while accepting allows our emotions to pass and helps build recovery. Being present for ourself validates that we matter and that we have the ability the strength to safety feel the feelings from our childhood.