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
“By being present, I take care of myself.” Yes! What good medicine! The sky is something that helps me be more present… looking up… so I get out of the hamster-wheel thinking that sometimes dominates my life. Thank you for this post and for your thoughts and for your big heart. xo
For me, I can find the knobs to turn, the hard part is leaving the room… I want to carry it all with me and I can’t fit through the door! Why must letting go be so hard?
I’m so happy to be with this group again and reading OLW reflections. Your haiku for today is perfect – “open to whatever door…”. I find it tough to be present and open to the moment since I’m usually fretting about what’s down the road. Your words are a great reminder.
It sounds like “presence” is something you have been practicing for years. As you noted, it’s closely related to my OLW mindfulness, which is something I think I could spend another year on. How quickly the time has passed! Wishing you and yours a lovely “present” Christmas!
I so often need to just turn the knob and enter the presence of the day. This compliments my word of intentional. And your quote is something I need to read more often because awareness if often a void. Your words always get me thinking.
This word has served you well.