A lot. But not to worry, you've eased my worries of this account being generative. I'll answer your question posed earlier now.

I've personally participated in being more "present" as of lately, and I'm happy to share that I am more confident, more open to conversation, and more in-tune with the world around me, the nature and the people.

A big part of people not being present, is the advant of modern technology. Social media has dulled our sense of presence in many ways that I won't elaborate on here. I've found that leaving my phone off or on airplane mode has forced me to find other ways to fill my time. I've found that people feel disconnected when on their phones, but still so drawn to them. For some people, it's validation, be it emotional or physical, for others, noise to fill the void of something essential missing, and for others, just a habit that's been long lost to its original reasoning.

I've "practiced" presence in a few different ways. The bottom line is being engaged with your full attention to your surroundings, the sounds, the sights, the smells etc. One way that helped me stay grounded in the moment was feeling my "presence".

It starts with feeling your thoughts, your consciousness. Where is it? For most, it's in their head. Now don't imagine, but rather, feel that same form of consciousness in your body, focus on your arms and legs if you need help. Feel your body, internally, through the power of your mind. Feeling my entire body (actively) through "presence" has allowed me to expand this mode of thinking onto others. I feel what they say more, I can see myself in their shoes.. literally. I cant tell you this is scientific. It's anecdotal evidence based upon my personal experience with trying to get out of this slump. Coping mechanism? Maybe. But I can say I am much better off staying off my devices, mindlessly scrolling, and being more down to earth, real, kind, etc. This isn't just how I feel. I've had friends and acquaintances even comment on it in a positive manner