Link ups at Irene Latham’s site, Live your Poem
Being a part of an online blogging community keeps me writing and thinking and reflecting. Irene Latham asked our Spiritual Journey Thursday group to write a reflection about our One Little Words for 2016. So here I am… Present.
My OLW for 2016 was Presence. This word mantra has helped me in many ways this year. When I’ve been worried, I turned to presence. When I’ve been celebrating, I turned to presence. Being with whatever is happening in the moment is a valuable skill, and I am so glad I chose presence this year. The year I spent two weeks in Africa. The year my middle daughter got married. These experiences still live in my heart because I was fully present to them.
But everyday, I have to call myself back to presence. I take walks alone, valuing time to see things in my world, to focus on the gift of nature. Sometimes while walking I’ll take out my phone to send a message to someone who has come to mind, or to type a poem or an idea for one, or to take a picture to capture a moment.
Practicing presence fits my personality, too. I am one of those people who is always on the look out for ways to help others. While some may think this is a positive trait, it can also lead to burn-out and low self-esteem. By being present, I take care of myself. And by taking care of myself, I am better equipped to help others.
I haven’t started thinking about my word for 2017. I’m not ready to let this one go. I don’t have to, of course. I can build on Presence along with Reach of 2015 and Open of 2014. I enjoy words and playing with words, so this tradition of finding one little word to guide my year is fun and inspiring. I think deeply about what I really want and the possibilities that are open to me.
Thanks, Irene, for calling me to be reflective about my one little word.
Haiku-a-day #15
Be present today
open to whatever door
Turn the knob, enter–Margaret Simon
From Richard Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation
Reflections on the Teche 