It started in line inside a gas station about 6 weeks ago. The crisis was still very much in the beginning phase in the Netherlands in terms of awareness and social distancing, and as I looked at the people in line for the cash register, they barely had any space between them.

My girlfriend and I were visiting London last year. We were staying in London Central, and decided to have brunch at a fancy restaurant that describes itself as “All-day brasserie in elegant grand cafe surrounds, serving modern and classic European menu.”

Hospitality has always been important to me. My deep appreciation for -  and awareness of - hospitality stems from my days as a waiter, especially in the US. While pursuing acting, I waited tables at night; I know; how cliché right?

Whenever we give a presence workshop, the participants in our training almost always dread being in front of a group, whether it’s presenting or even something as simple as having to introduce themselves in front of the group.

The Toolbox, our tool we’ve developed to achieve a centered starting point, and to bring you back “in the moment” has many additional benefits. It gets you more Presence, builds healthy posture and helps you to listen to yourself and others, have courage and to make effective decisions.

Many participants in our Power of Presence course ask us how they can get that perfect poker face; a face that shows no emotion, a blank expression.

I came across a fascinating and inspiring article last week in the New York Times (Using Meditation to Help Close the Achievement Gap by Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D.)