FAQ
So, if I can’t speak about the past or future, what can I speak about then?
You can talk about:
What you’re thinking, in the moment - “I think human connection is important right now in these strange times; this feels good.”
What you’re feeling, at present - “I’m feeling a bit awkward, ‘cause I’m not sure I fully understand the rules here.”
Anything that everyone else can also experience at the same time - “I really want to howl. Howl with me, if you want to!” :::howls:::
For a little more context, these kind of things would elicit a ‘Bump’:
“It was hard to pull myself away from that tiger show on Netflix, to be here on time.” (Bump.)
“I’m afraid that I’ll get sick, and then don’t know who’ll take care of my plants and animals, if I do.” (Bump.)
“I thought what you said right there was really poignant.” (Bump.) - but even just a slight rephrase to “I am experiencing your words as really poignant.” stays in the present moment, and avoids the Bump.
What if I just stonewall myself and listen to others speak the whole time, without participating? Then I can avoid getting a Bump.
You could do that, but that’s not really what the game is about. It’s not at all about winning. In fact, there is no winning. It’s simply about consciously sharing the here and now with other curious and brave people - especially in these times. Play full-out and have fun!
Sounds kinda boring / awkward / confusing / heavy / uncomfortable / weird / hippie / daunting / what-have-you.
Yup! It can be. But locking yourself up in the present moment with others can also feel intimate, deeply fulfilling, and nothing short of transformative. Patience is essential to see what will unfold. A boring first 15 minutes can lead to a truly amazing last 45 minutes. Even a full hour of “boring” promises to yield something worthwhile. Also, a note: While we are in a crisis with very real local and global implications, the conversation doesn’t necessarily need to go into, or stay on, the topic of the pandemic - though it will likely be ever-present in the subtext. We have 23 hours of the day to feel concern for the wide spectrum of humanity that is being impacted by it all, and worry about what’s to come. But the game offers us one hour apart from it all, to simply be here and now, untethered from what has happened, and unhinged from what will be…
Isn’t that privilege?
Yes, it is. Let’s be aware of that, grateful that we can step out of survival mode for an hour, and use this hour constructively. If your experience in the game feels worthwhile, please also consider donating to the Red Cross at the bottom of the page, and/or giving the same level of your attention to other, more hands-on relief efforts. The world needs all kinds of contributions right now, and taking time apart to presence and ground ourselves first, ensures the sustainability of what we have to offer the world beyond ourselves.
What if I forget, and mention something from the past, or refer to the future?
No worries. Someone will just say ‘Bump’. Even when we very consciously put limitations on the past and future, it’s practically inevitable that we’ll forget, and talk about that thing that happened that one time. Don’t make too much meaning out of the idea of doing it ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. Instead, receive your ‘Bump’ simply, reorient yourself back in the present, and begin again.
How long does The Present Moment Game last?
The Present Moment Game should take around 70-80 minutes of your time; 60 minutes for the game itself, and a bit of time before for instructions, and after for a short debrief.
How many people can participate in The Present Moment Game at a time?
In its digital format, The Present Moment Game is best played with 3-6 players at a time. Make sure to be in ‘gallery view’ so that everyone can see each other while the game is being played.
Cool. I want to play - how can I?
The Present Moment Game is absolutely free, meant to be shared, and available to anyone at all who would like to self-organize a game of their own. Click this link for all you need to know about how to host The Present Moment Game. Additionally, a limited number of already-organized games will be available via the scheduler, below, for you to take part in.
Wait, what are THE BASIC RULES again?
Don’t speak about the past, or the future
Listen closely, and when someone does relate to the past or future, correct them gently with one simple word: ‘Bump’
Speak freely about what you’re presently thinking, currently feeling, or what everyone playing can also experience at the same time
When you are bumped, accept your bump simply, and begin again in the present tense, if possible
Sit in one place and give the screen your full attention for the whole hour
What do I need to do to PREPARE FOR THE GAME?
Ensure that you won’t be interrupted by others. If you’re a parent, that’s probably tough these days, but do your best. Bathroom?
Play by yourself. Sorry, friends, you can’t play with other people on the same device, side-by-side on the screen.
Cover up clocks. Our goal is to go timeless. But that’s only possible if you cover the clock on your computer, and turn away from any other clocks in view. No peeking! The organizer will notify you when the game is complete.
Turn your phone OFF. You can do it! But if you can’t, turn it face-down on silent mode, and don’t answer any rings or beeps.
Ensure your computer is plugged in, or fully charged. Not gonna be able to run to get your cord once the game begins.
Commit your FULL attention. Our attention is a precious commodity that we give away freely to social and streaming media platforms, but rarely gift to other people, undivided, for a full hour in this way. Seize this opportunity. Promise to give your full attention and eye-contact to the screen where the game is happening. Even if it gets “boring” for a period, be patient. There’s something available on the other side of “boring”. Also, make sure to stay in the game. More than half of the game is simply staying fully-focused in the game!
Stay in the game. Make sure to take a bathroom break before you begin, don’t talk to anyone off-camera, don’t move around, and don’t daydream out the window. More than half of the game is simply staying fully-focused in the game!
Seems like a laptop is best, but can I play via tablet or smartphone?
Playing via tablet, or especially via smartphone, is not recommended. It’ll be far more challenging to stay in the game with a hand-held device, but if you’re truly committed, and that’s the only option you have available, then make sure to be 100% hands-free. Prop your device up against a wall or put it in a stand for the complete duration of the game.
How do you kick the game off?
If you are the game organizer, here’s an outline for you to follow to welcome everyone and ensure that the game is set up for success. It might feel awkward for the first few minutes. In fact, it will feel awkward for the first few minutes, but stay the course!
How does the game end?
The alarm marks the completion of the game. You’ll have the opportunity to speak about it for a few minutes after the game is over, but if you prefer to just say a quick goodbye instead at that point, that’s fine, too.
Any tips for getting the most out of my participation?
Err on the side of orthodoxy - the more rigorous the game is, the more fun.
Eliminate language like ‘was’ / ‘will be’, and focus, instead, on the ‘is’, ‘am’, and ‘are’ of the present tense.
Avoid starting sentences with the word ‘If’, as it usually will then refer to conditions in the future. It’s also a good idea to question using words like ‘might’, ‘could’, ‘would’, or ‘should’, especially when they allude to anything that is not-now.
What can I expect from The Present Moment Game?
Ultimately, The Present Moment Game can express itself in many different ways. It can feel light-hearted or serious, self-reflective or social, easy or surprisingly challenging - and, chances are, a combination of all of these things. At the end of the day, though, each game is as unique as its participants, and has something of value to offer those who are both present, and patient enough for it to emerge.
What’s the point of The Present Moment Game?
Nothing. Nothing at all. It’s not intended for self-improvement, for learning how to better communicate, for learning how to offer or receive feedback, or for any other, explicit aim. Its purpose is simply to create an opportunity for people to really BE with one another - especially in times like these. In addition, we’re accepting small donations from people who have enjoyed the game to benefit the International Committee of the Red Cross. Scroll down to learn more…