The Present of Presence



If change means moving toward what's right, you have no other option. Move.
-Chuck Swindoll

 How many things can you get done in one day?  Many of us can get a whole lot done in twenty-four hours.  It's pretty impressive with technology (that is supposed to bring us more free time), that we can still find time to be the busiest people on the planet...filling every moment of every day with something!  I've been convicted during this Christmas season on how I am spending my hours.  With a full time job, yoga, running, relationships, a house, pets, the holidays, etc., time has become even more precious than ever. Even when I do have a second to spare, I spend it thinking about what I "should" be doing to be more productive. How in the heck does one person make time for it all?!

 

Here's a thought: Maybe we're not supposed to!

Whoa. What a concept. Maybe it's okay if we don't do everything that just has to be done.  Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying skip work because you need to focus on being lazy.  What I am suggesting is to be fruitful at work, and be fruitful about not working when you are not at the office. Be present wherever you are at any given moment, not looking at your watch while contemplating everything else that needs to be done.  When you are with your family/loved ones, be with them fully. That means all eyes, ears and mind. When you are taking time to take care of your temple, be there fully and loving the body you were created with instead of beating yourself over what you ate (and enjoyed) earlier. When you actually have time to do nothing (I know...these times a few, but they do exist), be there in mind and spirit, and enjoy it.

Pause, Reflect, Refresh & Refuel.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
-Psalm 32:8

Everything that truly needs to be done, can still be done...in it's own time. Once you begin to take care of yourself with quiet times of reflection and stillness, you might actually be more productive in the list of things that you need to get done during the day, whether it be at the office, running errands, doing laundry, or walking the dog...you get my drift.





When you relinquish then you expand. -Zen master Dennis Genpo Merzel

 

What do you need to relinquish to be present?  Not just present in a "yoga class" kind of way, but present in life?  I used to think this was a simple task.  Just focus, right? Wrong.  I might be focused on a million and one things throughout my day...is that really being present?  Nope.
Usually, running and yoga are my escapes from over-thinking, but the older I get, the more that sacred time is spent fretting about work, errands, did I pay that bill?  I know I need to start relinquishing "things" that give me a badge of honor in the business category, and stop to smell the roses of relationships, quiet time with God, and simply quiet moments to refresh the mind and refuel the spirit. It's time to go against the American grain. Instead of seeing how much I can fit into 24 hours, I am going to make time to expand my life by relinquishing things that do not serve me.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! Take time to truly be with those you love. If you can take time away from work, enjoy it. Don't stress about things that are out of your control.  My goal is to take my own advice this year as well. :)
 

Namaste & God Bless!

Kristen

"Learning to live in the present moment is part of the path of joy"