Presence

Hey Steemers,

I'd like to share what I believe is the grandest gift we can give to those around us and ourselves: presence. Not simply physical proximity, although that is powerful in and of itself. I am referring to full presence of mind and heart, offering oneself to another human or experience. We are better able to share our gifts and receive others' when we do so.

There is no faking it. When our bodies and minds are in two different places, we feel it. Those around us sense it. It creates an odd disconnect and makes for rushed, surface- level interactions. You know what I mean- when the person you're communicating with looks right past you; when they're checking their phone at the dinner table; when they erupt with a self- serving interjection. It doesn't feel good to be the recipient of this, and I believe we're all guilty of it.

Consider this alternative. You arrive, and are greeted with a two- armed hug. There are other people around, but the conversation stays contained within the two of you. There is eye contact and laughter, and space for each person to speak. You walk away with the exhilaration of renewed connection. You remember the moment.

We walk through much of our lives on autopilot, our efficient brains having learned to function without our conscious involvement. It is easier, and certainly less draining. However, I am working to demand presence from myself. I want to listen to the conversations, songs, and sounds around me. I want to recognize when my loved ones are struggling and offer myself as a resource. I want to soak it all in, engrain the experiences into my being.

I'd like to offer the following guidelines as ways to move towards this. I welcome anyone who would like to join me in this challenge. From today on, I will try to...
~ Put my phone away, on silent, when I am otherwise engaged.
~ Stay quiet for an extra beat, to allow my conversational partner the time and space to speak their full truth.
~ Nourish myself, so that I have something to give.
~ Refrain from saying "I'm so busy". We all are. I never want someone to feel as though I believe my time is more important than theirs.

Let's show up- for each other, ourselves, and our lives.