The Practice of Radical Presence

Mirabai was present—utterly, without reserve—to her beloved, regardless of whether Krishna appeared or responded. Her radical presence was not contingent on reciprocation or certainty of outcome. She danced, sang, and served as if each moment were the last. This practice asks us: Can we bring such presence to the person we anticipate losing? Not as an anxious vigil, but as genuine devotion to who they are now. Radical presence means sitting with them without agenda, listening without planning what to say, touching without grasping. It means releasing the narrative of future loss long enough to inhabit the actual moment before us. Mirabai's example shows that presence is not about changing the outcome or even preparing ourselves; it is about honoring the reality of connection while it exists. For those in anticipatory grief, this practice transforms waiting into meeting, fear into encounter, and isolation into genuine relationship—exactly what we most need and what the person we love most deserves.