Being present to yourself Presence. Most of us appreciate the times when our partners, family and friends offer us their full presence. It fuels our heart to share time with someone who is attentive to us through listening, showing an interest in our experiences, and showing that they love us in the here-and-now.
It also feels uplifting when we give our heartfelt presence to someone we care about. We enter into the other person’s story, and in so doing we are enriched in some way.
Now what about making it a daily practice to be present to yourself ? Let’s get curious about how this might look. For myself, one thing it means is allowing enough time in my morning routine that I can move at my own pace, without a big rush. That lets me arrive into the day feeling more grounded and prepared for going out into the world.
The simple act of being completely present to another person is truly an act of love.
No drama is required.
-Sharon Salzberg
Some ways to foster presence:
Notice where you’re at, emotionally. Do a check-in midday to see what emotions are rising up in you. Try not to critique them, simply notice. Breathing deeply as you ponder this can be helpful.
Plan to do one nourishing thing for yourself every day. Schedule in time for relaxing with a book, chatting with a friend, or going for a revitalizing walk.
Choose whether it needs to be a you-focused or other-focused evening. Becoming more attentive to the plans that involve only you allows you permission to feed your inner world. Being social isn’t always what your soul needs.
Let your creative side out to play. Set-up some time to paint, draw, write a story, dance, or re-decorate your space. Re-discover what mediums you enjoy working with, even if you don’t consider yourself an especially creative person. Appreciate the process of making something, even when the end product turns out differently than you planned.
Let go of your plans. Decide you are going to welcome spontaneity into your life this week! Choose which area you’re comfortable beginning with, such as how you spend time with a good friend. Welcome the extraordinary to infuse new energy into your normal habits and ways of thinking.
It can be so liberating to become more present. Less chaos from getting over-stimulated by the world out there, more appreciation for what you need and what you enjoy, less anxiety and more breathing.
Have fun trying these ideas! If you would like support in re-focusing your direction, and activating your heart and mind in a fresh way- please know that you are welcome to book a session anytime.
warmly,
Karyn
Dance. Smile. Giggle. Marvel. TRUST. HOPE. LOVE. WISH. BELIEVE. Most of all, enjoy every moment of the journey, and appreciate where you are at this moment instead of always focusing on how far you have to go. -Mandy Hale
An inspiring tidbit:writer Mandy Hale: http://thesinglewoman.net/about/