Pure Presence

Recently, during one of our Saturday morning Tribe of One Love discussions someone mentioned the following quote:

“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
- Blaise Pascal

Alone or with others, silence and stillness can be incredibly difficult for many of us. What is it about being in this state that is so challenging? Serbian performance artist Marina Abramovic provides this insight from her experience during her exhibit The Artist is Present at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 2010:

“The public was no longer the group, it was one to one…they are observed by other people. They are photographed. They are filmed by the camera. They are observed by me. And there is nowhere to escape except in themselves.”

What can we learn about ourselves when we have nowhere to turn but inward? What happens when we slow down and are just “with” someone when there is nothing else to distract or entertain us?

Join us this week as Tom helps us practice pure presence as we recreate aspects of Marina’s seminal MoMA performance. After a brief introduction of Marina’s work, we will practice our own silent, still presence with each other, and discuss our experimental experience.

Video reference:
The Artist Is Present

Tribe of One Love Invitation & Community Guidelines

• We are rooted in love, curiosity, and growth.
  We’re here to reflect, share, and expand our awareness together—not to debate, persuade, or convert.
• We are a nonpartisan, non-denominational space.
  People from all walks of life are welcome. Personal experiences may include politics or religion, but no ideology—political, religious, or otherwise—should be promoted or belittled.
• We show up as both teachers and students.
  Please review any shared resources before the session. We look forward to hearing your reflections, reactions, and perspectives. While we explore different perspectives, you are encouraged to take in what speaks to you and release what doesn’t.
• Speak from personal experience.
  Use “I” language. Share what’s true for you without trying to fix, assume, advise, or preach—unless invited. Avoid stating opinions as facts. When you frame your truth as your experience, it leaves room for others to share theirs.
• Avoid assumptions.
  Don’t assume others share your background, values, or beliefs. Our diversity is a strength. Speaking as if we all think alike can make others feel excluded or unsafe.
• You are welcome to bring your real experiences—with purpose.
  If you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or worn down by life and the state of the world, you are not alone. Bring what’s real in the spirit of healing and learning. We name pain, not to vent or complain without direction, but to seek clarity, understanding, and transformation.
• Practice equity of voice.
  Be mindful of how much space you’re holding. If you speak often, consider stepping back. If you’re usually quiet, know your voice matters—we’d love to hear from you.
• Welcome disagreements as part of growth.
  When conflict arises, pause. Acknowledge what others are sharing, and respond with curiosity, not certainty. Aim for connection, not correction.
• Let this space ripple outward.
  What’s learned here, we hope transforms not only ourselves, but our families, communities, and beyond. This space is sacred—not because it is perfect, but because we hold it together.

Thank you for visiting!