Join the Two Writing Teachers blog for Tuesdays Slice of Life Challenge.
photo by Margaret Gibson Simon enhanced on Picmonkey
As the old year came to a close and the new one began, I was thinking about my One Little Word, a single word to guide me through the year. I thought I had it: Inspire. This word appeared as my friend, Julianne, selected a word bracelet at a gathering at NCTE. I grabbed the word Peace, but I liked hers better. So I began thinking about how Inspire could be my OLW. I couldn’t help thinking I wasn’t entitled to this word. I kept wearing Peace on my arm.
The last few weeks, however, revealed Presence to me. I read Richard Rohr’s quote: “We cannot attain the presence of God because we’ re already in the presence of God. What’s absent is awareness.”
I received a camera for Christmas. It calls me to be present, notice, see.
Fire by Margaret Gibson Simon
I slowed down and looked around. What is there but this very moment?
Living this word makes me a better friend, a better partner, a better teacher. When I am fully present, I listen and truly hear. I judge less. I don’t worry.
I sketched about Presence in my journal.
Than I made a drawing from my sketch. I shared this process with my students.
I took a picture at 5:00 PM on Monday. I’m not sure if I will keep this up. It’s an idea, but not a necessary goal for being present. I love how choosing this word, I am not obligating myself to anything but being… present.
Photo by Margaret Gibson Simon, 5 PM on Jan. 4, 2106.
Holly Mueller hosts a round-up on Thursdays called Spiritual Journey Thursdays. We will be writing about our own and other bloggers’ words. If you want to join, go to Holly’s blog here.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, I can see your OLW filling your space with its embracing warmth. Presence is a full-bodied word that suits you well.
Yes. Presence is so imperative especially with all that distracts us. I love your new word. I’ve been working on being present with my own children so they don’t always feel like I’m just checking in.
Present was on my short list. I love the process you shared.
Margaret, this PRESENCE is our great task of being human, isn’t it? So many distractions when the moment is the.most.important.thing. I am with you on this journey! Also love how “abide” appears in your sketch. What a powerful word. Thank you! xo
Being present is hard to do, but a joy when you do it. I think it is a lovely word to live by. Thanks for sharing its story of how it came into your life with us, Margaret.
Love this “… already in the presence of God. What’s absent is awareness.” So beautiful. Presence is so powerful and necessary. I’m afraid we are often there but not there. Presence demands your whole self. I love the way you have explored your word in writing and in photos. I think you will find this word brings your life so much in unexpected ways.
I enjoyed seeing your sketch. I chose contentment as my OLW, but it encompasses being present. I almost chose abide, too. Thanks for sharing your thinking.
It feels right, that “being”, with those in your life, with the use of your new camera, with those who will come into your life. You will find joy because you are “present”. Love seeing the sketching and the pictures.
I’m excited about your camera! 🙂 Your word is perfect.
I love the Rohr quote and your actions with your camera to be more present and allow for presence. Very nice.
Oh, and thank you for including a “plug” for Spiritual Journey Thursdays! I’m looking forward to writing about OLWs!!
It’s a beautiful word, Margaret. I love your creativity and how you’re using it to express your OLW.
Oh I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE getting to peek into your notebook!! The word PRESENCE is powerful and I can’t wait to see how your presence changes you this year. 🙂
Yes, we are on similar paths with our OLW. I have seen more words that appear to be less driven and more relaxed which is nice. I look forward to exploring our words together this year. I am sending you an email about the Big Magic book.
Love that peek into your notebook, Margaret – so lovely, and full of artistic poetry.
I once heard Anne Lamotte speak and she said, “Be where your butt is.” I’ve loved that line ever since… it’s about being present. I think your word is so very important in our rush rush look ahead world. Happy New Year to you and good luck living with your word.
I’m a huge fan of Anne Lamotte. Love that quote. “Here I is!” Buckwheat.
You are right — having a camera requires us to be present in the moment. This past year, I found myself stopping to take more pictures which was wonderful because when I went back to look at them, I was transported back to that moment. I love your word, Margaret. Happy new year to you!
Love the sketches and your word! I take lots of pics too, so many that I irritate my walking buddies! I’ve missed getting out lately too cold and wet, but headed out to grab a quick walk this afternoon. We are blessed by your presence as our friend. Happy New Year!
Loved looking at your notebook pages and seeing my OLW abide pop up on them. I think there are some great connections between abide and presence.