Present

Present is a unique aspect of perception. It's no coincidence that the word 'present' has two meanings^[1] – it can describe time and also signify something genuine and authentic. Any action, any activity, regardless of its nature, occurs in the present. Those who can fully engage in the present moment are closer to truly living.

Engagement is crucial to understanding the present as an aspect of temporality. When we immerse ourselves in a process or activity, we naturally find our place in it. Some people hardly distinguish themselves from their environment, some feel 'like a fish in water' wherever they are, while others struggle to find their place or role. These are different ways of relating to the present.

The Author (I. Present in the Target Aspect, Goal)

The Host easily and quickly immerses themselves in any task, defining their role within it. The Host can become both an organizer and a performer, a key figure and a background player – choosing what suits them best. In any situation – whether at a business meeting, a party with friends, or in a store queue – both the host and the role they have chosen will be noticeable. This is inevitable because the present is the realm of the Host's self-realization; expressing themselves through their place in the world is both natural and essential for them. Whatever the Host engages in, they non-verbally communicate to others: 'I am here', 'I exist'. Those with other Goal aspects do not express themselves in the present time, which is why the host is often the one most capable of engaging others in their activities. They do not necessarily engage through sheer will – the Host, by fully merging with their role, creates a space for participation and activity.

The Host tends to prolong tasks and processes. Once they start something, — and they start quite easily, — they often find it difficult to stop in time. By immersing themselves in an ongoing task, they can disrupt the existing atmosphere with their own vision of the participants' roles, and it is often said about the host: 'there is too much of them.'

The Local (II. Present in the Creative Aspect, Tool)

The "local" position allows its holder to be at ease exactly where they are. While the Host seeks self-realization through creating or defining their role, the Local simply finds and fits into an existing niche that aligns with their interests. The Local is not attached to any one role or behavior. They appreciate the present in all its variety, observing ongoing processes and shifting focus effortlessly. If someone quickly integrates into an unfamiliar group, it’s either because their values align with the group’s or because they are a Local.

The Local values collaboration, partnership, and creative involvement with the current situation. However, they are adept at engaging deeply with environment without losing their sense of individuality. For the Local, the Present is a tool, not something to merge with completely.

The Exile (III. Present in the Vulnerable Aspect, Criterion)

The Exile perceives the present as a criterion. This means that their place and role are central to their self-esteem and crucial in evaluating their quality of life. The Exile is not seeking a role where they will shine the most or one that offers the greatest advantage; they are searching for a role of true worth.

The term "Exile" reflects the feeling experienced by those with this aspect when they try to escape the damaging effects of the present on their self-esteem. The Exile swings between detachment (avoiding involvement in life and searching for their place) and excessive engagement, where they grab at everything, simulate intense activity, and try to show themselves and others that they are engaged in something significant. In the first scenario, they feel boredom and emptiness, while in the second, they experience chaos and futility. In both cases, the Exile is weighed down by a sense of insignificance. As they have no place or role, as if they are exiled.

The Guest (IV. Present in the Blind Aspect, Resource)

For the Guest, the present moment is seen as fleeting and ephemeral. The present holds little significance for them, so they are generally willing to sacrifice their engagement with it in favor of focusing on other, more crucial aspects of their life. Consequently, in rapidly changing situations or unfamiliar environments, where being present is important, the Guest can quickly become disoriented; they struggle to identify their place or role and tend to drift along with circumstances, accepting whatever role they are pushed into. If they become too confused by the fast pace of events, they may prefer to wait until the present moment has passed into past, allowing them to assess the situation from a perspective of their stronger aspect. However, when the present shifts into the past and the question of "What is my role?" evolves into "Who am I?", the Guest’s casual approach to their role may suddenly shift.

Furthermore, the Guest’s awareness of their passivity in the present (while it is still going) is not severely detrimental to their self-esteem. They handle boredom and loneliness much more easily than the Exile does. The Guest is less inclined to place high importance on feelings of engagement and happiness.

References

[1] — In Russian, the original language of Temporistics, the term 'настоящее' has two meanings: 'present' and 'true'