This Festive Season, the gift I wish to be, to receive and give to others is my Presence. By presence I mean the ability to be totally in the moment, here and now, and it incorporates a heightened sense of awareness. When we are present and in the moment, we can accept what is and nothing needs to change. We are connected to the Universal Energy which is much greater than our selves. We may feel expanded, free and at peace.
When we are present rightness just is, we often can see our situation from a different perspective. It allows us to intuitively know where to put our attention and come back into alignment and balance regardless of what is going in our lives. However, when there is fear or doubt or the rational mind creeps in, then we loose presence and begin thinking or anticipating. It's not easy to be present all the time, often we forget or get lost in the drama of everyday life. Some days I am hardly present at all, I am planning future possibilities or thinking about the past or absorbed by emotions. We allow conditioning or my ego to take over. However, the wonderful thing is that every time we remember, we have the opportunity to return to the present moment and embrace the awesome gift that life is.
By becoming increasingly present we live from a more authentic and true place, it is easier to become aware of when we are acting through distorted patterning or conditioning. It encourages us to soften and to be more loving and compassionate towards ourselves and others. Our willingness to be present is a gift not only to ourselves but also to those around us, in the words of Thich Nhat Hanh "When you love someone, the best thing you can offer is your presence. How can you love if you are not there?” In my therapy work, the more present I am the greater my connection with the Universal energy. From here anything I need to be aware of or do simply arises via my “intuition”, which is much wiser than my “small mind”. This video with Eckart Tolle and Oprah Winfrey illustrates the value of remaining present and in the here and now, Eckart says “Be true to life by being true to this moment” and that’s True Living!!!!
When we are present rightness just is, we often can see our situation from a different perspective. It allows us to intuitively know where to put our attention and come back into alignment and balance regardless of what is going in our lives. However, when there is fear or doubt or the rational mind creeps in, then we loose presence and begin thinking or anticipating. It's not easy to be present all the time, often we forget or get lost in the drama of everyday life. Some days I am hardly present at all, I am planning future possibilities or thinking about the past or absorbed by emotions. We allow conditioning or my ego to take over. However, the wonderful thing is that every time we remember, we have the opportunity to return to the present moment and embrace the awesome gift that life is.
By becoming increasingly present we live from a more authentic and true place, it is easier to become aware of when we are acting through distorted patterning or conditioning. It encourages us to soften and to be more loving and compassionate towards ourselves and others. Our willingness to be present is a gift not only to ourselves but also to those around us, in the words of Thich Nhat Hanh "When you love someone, the best thing you can offer is your presence. How can you love if you are not there?” In my therapy work, the more present I am the greater my connection with the Universal energy. From here anything I need to be aware of or do simply arises via my “intuition”, which is much wiser than my “small mind”. This video with Eckart Tolle and Oprah Winfrey illustrates the value of remaining present and in the here and now, Eckart says “Be true to life by being true to this moment” and that’s True Living!!!!
How might we be more present?
There are numerous methods and mindful techniques that encourage us to be more present. For me, I find being in a quiet place and bringing attention to my body is helpful. Anywhere and anytime just bringing my awareness to my body can help bring me into presence. The simple intention to be present is very powerful and can instantly bring us to the here and now. Connecting with nature, focussing on your breath, letting go of thoughts or noticing your immediate environment are others things that can help us to come into this moment.
Perhaps set aside some time every day to sit quietly and meditate, stick up post it notes as a reminder to come into this moment, journal your experiences or find some books or resources that might support you. When with others, rather than just listening to their words and reacting, truly listen, maybe empathetically observe what is happening, notice your love and compassion for them. Our lives can be very full and busy which is not conducive to being present, hence slowing down, taking time out and engaging with what brings us joy can facilitate more presence in our lives. You may find other things that work well for you, trust whatever resonates. It can take practice and patience, so be gentle with yourself.
Perhaps set aside some time every day to sit quietly and meditate, stick up post it notes as a reminder to come into this moment, journal your experiences or find some books or resources that might support you. When with others, rather than just listening to their words and reacting, truly listen, maybe empathetically observe what is happening, notice your love and compassion for them. Our lives can be very full and busy which is not conducive to being present, hence slowing down, taking time out and engaging with what brings us joy can facilitate more presence in our lives. You may find other things that work well for you, trust whatever resonates. It can take practice and patience, so be gentle with yourself.
The gift of your Presence
This Festive Season, rather than (or as well as) offering traditional gifts to those you love and care about, why not also give them your Presence. Your time, tenderness and compassion is the best gift they can receive. When you are more connected to yourself, it is easier to connect with others. Thich Nhat Hanh stated “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” In our Western world which is swamped by consumerism and busy-ness, the gift of presence is something we can all appreciate. Rumi comments on how Presence is worth more than anything that money can buy "I never really cared for the things of this world. It was the glow of Your Presence that filled it with beauty."
I'd love to hear of your experience and what Presence means to you?
May the beauty of your Presence bring light to the world this Solstice and midwinter season, you are a blessing in the world and the world is grateful that you are here fulfilling your purpose.
With love and blessings, Fiona
I'd love to hear of your experience and what Presence means to you?
May the beauty of your Presence bring light to the world this Solstice and midwinter season, you are a blessing in the world and the world is grateful that you are here fulfilling your purpose.
With love and blessings, Fiona
Fiona is an Active Listening therapist, reflexologist, and experienced doula. She is passionate about living true to her heart and soul and empowering others to do the same. She runs various workshops related to the vibrancy of conscious plant based eating and women's issues including being childless/free and loves joining women in circle. Her website is www.fionareilly.co.uk or click here for her facebook page - True Living
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