In a world that constantly pushes for connection, innovation, and awareness, there’s a silent undercurrent that often goes unnoticed—Absencing. This subtle, yet powerful force can alter perceptions, influence behavior, and even reshape our collective reality. But what is absencing? And how does it manifest in our lives, societies, and organizations?
Let’s dive deep into this complex concept, unpack its impact, and explore how awareness of absencing’s can help us build a more conscious future.
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What Is Absencing?
Absencing’s is the opposite of presencing. Coined by Otto Scharmer, a senior lecturer at MIT and co-founder of the Presencing Institute, the term describes a state of disconnection from self, others, and the larger whole.
Where presencing means being present to the emerging future and acting from a place of awareness and connection, absencing is what happens when individuals, groups, or systems operate from a place of ego, fear, and isolation.
Key Traits of Absencing:
- Disconnect from self and deeper purpose
- Acting out of fear or self-preservation
- Avoidance of difficult truths
- Dismissal of other perspectives
- Amplification of judgment, cynicism, and fear
The Three Enemies Of Awareness: Cynicism, Judgment, And Fear
Absencing’s thrives on three core enemies of awareness:
Cynicism
Cynicism blocks curiosity. It makes people believe that change is impossible and that others have bad intentions. In the grip of cynicism, potential is squashed before it even starts to emerge.
Judgment
Judgment closes the heart. It creates “us versus them” thinking, labels, and reinforces bias. It narrows understanding and makes empathy impossible.
Fear
Fear stifles innovation and expression. When fear dominates, people avoid taking risks or stepping outside of their comfort zones. Growth and transformation come to a halt.
Together, these forces deepen disconnection and reinforce a self-sealing bubble of beliefs—leading to absencing.
The Absencing Spiral: How It Shapes Reality
Absencing’s doesn’t happen overnight. It follows a spiral—a downward trajectory marked by increased disconnection and denial.
Phase 1: Denial of the Emerging Future
In this phase, we ignore the signals that point to necessary change. We continue business as usual, even when it’s clear that the old ways are no longer working.
Phase 2: Blaming and Polarization
As challenges increase, the focus shifts to blaming others—individuals, groups, systems. Polarization sets in, creating rigid “right vs. wrong” thinking.
Phase 3: Destruction and System Breakdown
Eventually, the system implodes under the weight of its disconnection. Relationships, trust, and collaboration break down. Innovation dies. What remains is chaos or collapse.
Examples Of Absencing In Action
In Organizations
A company that refuses to listen to its employees or adapt to changing markets may find itself in decline. Toxic work environments, where fear and blame thrive, are classic signs of absencing.
In Politics
When leaders amplify “us vs. them” narratives, ignore the voices of marginalized communities, or act purely for power, absencing’s is at play.
In Society
From climate change denial to growing inequality, societal absencing’s is visible in how we collectively avoid or minimize systemic issues.
The Cost Of Absencing
Absencing comes with a high price—personally, professionally, and collectively.
Emotional Disconnection
Individuals caught in absencing often feel alienated, depressed, or stuck. They lose touch with their core purpose and values.
Organizational Stagnation
Companies that operate in fear, with rigid hierarchies and little innovation, find it hard to attract or retain talent and customers.
Societal Fragmentation
Communities that become divided and distrustful of one another are less resilient and more prone to conflict or collapse.
The Way Out: From Absencing To Presencing
So how do we reverse the spiral of absencing? The path lies in cultivating awareness, empathy, and openness.
Opening the Mind
Letting go of judgment and becoming curious about different perspectives allows new ideas and solutions to emerge.
Opening the Heart
Releasing cynicism and cultivating empathy brings us back into relationship with others and with life itself.
Opening the Will
Moving beyond fear allows us to take bold, conscious action in service of the emerging future—not the decaying past.
Tools And Practices To Counter Absencing
Awareness alone is not enough. We must engage in intentional practices to move from absencing to presencing.
Mindfulness and Reflection
Taking time for self-reflection, meditation, or journaling can help individuals reconnect with their inner knowing and values.
Deep Listening
Practicing generative listening—listening not to respond, but to truly understand—can bridge divides and foster connection.
Systems Thinking
Understanding how issues are interconnected helps individuals and organizations take action that addresses root causes, not just symptoms.
Dialogue and Co-Creation
Creating spaces where people feel safe to share, dream, and build together fosters innovation and collective intelligence.
Conclusion
Absencing is a powerful force—but it is not destiny. Every moment offers a choice: do we close down or open up? Do we act out of fear or trust? Do we contribute to disconnection or build connection?
By recognizing absencing and understanding its signs, we empower ourselves to choose a different path—one marked by awareness, presence, and transformation.
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FAQs
What is Absencing?
Absencing is the process of disconnecting from self, others, and the larger system, often due to fear, cynicism, and judgment. It leads to denial of change, blaming others, and eventually, breakdown in relationships or systems.
How does Absencing affect organizations?
Organizations stuck in absencing may experience toxic culture, low morale, poor innovation, and eventual stagnation or failure due to lack of openness and adaptability.
What’s the difference between Absencing and Presencing?
While presencing is about being deeply connected and acting from future potential, absencing is acting from disconnection and past conditioning, leading to fear-based behaviors.
Can Absencing be reversed?
Yes, through conscious practices like mindfulness, deep listening, and co-creation, individuals and systems can move from absencing to presencing and rebuild trust, purpose, and innovation.
Why is Absencing important to understand in today’s world?
In times of crisis or rapid change, understanding absencing helps prevent polarization, burnout, and system breakdown. It’s crucial for building resilient, connected communities and organizations.
