Tag: Presence

Presence

by 8hummingbirdway

I recently learned that the highest gift I can provide to each day, each moment, each person is simply to be my truest self … in presence.

I am not a showy or dazzling person. I never have been.

Some people are, and I have sometimes felt less because I don’t have that fun quality, that pizazz, that quality of noticeableness that is socially engaging …makes others aware of me …want to engage or find out about me.

I tend to blend in, to simply be.

I used to be uncomfortable at gatherings because I tended to stand or sit alone.

I’m not a brilliant conversationalist, nor can I remember the punchline of a joke.

But I can be – simply, honestly, humbly, and loyally …myself.

My stepson once told me I was “genuine.” I knew it was a high honor …coming from him.

The words I do offer are honest.

I can listen, hear another, understand their story or message. I can receive what they are saying and respond in a down-to-earth way. Sometimes a touch …a nod …or simply a presence that I can provide.

Recently I have come to be increasingly grateful to be simply myself.

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Presence

by 8hummingbirdway

This is an unusual trait for an adult.

Children are amazingly present to each moment. Perhaps this is my favorite aspect of children.

I totally enjoy children. They are honest and wise and full of wonder.

I don’t have any little ones in my life right now. I thought retirement would be all about children, but this has not been the case.

I have faith that they will show up when the time is right.

I realized recently that my children are all very present much of the time. This is good news. I must have played a part in this trait showing up in all 3 of them.

Presence could be defined as a lack of distraction.

When you are with a present person, they are right there, aware of you, sensing your being, your feelings, your presence.

Part of presence is paying attention.

I am fortunate to have several friends who carry presence.

I would like to be more present myself. Mostly I think I do well, but I can be lost in distractions at times. Internally.

It has been some time since I had a meditation practice, but when I did, it brought me to a place where I had a more empty and attentive mind. When I stacked the wood, I stacked the wood. When I washed the dishes, I washed the dishes.

I guess that’s the way I honed my ability to be present.

Also parenting; the children needed my presence and attention.

As adults, we still need presence and attention. Sometimes it is hard to find.

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