PRESENTS

PRESENCE

Which have you been focusing lately?  

Mark Nepo says, " listening is being completely present to whatever is before us with all of who we are. " 

During the holiday season, as we are pulled in myriad directions, often with unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others, it's important to slow down and listen to what is most important and true to you.  Maybe it's a by product of getting older, but I would much rather have experiences with the people I love than spending money on a token gift because that is what is "expected."  Don't get me wrong, I love gift giving (and quite honestly, receiving!), but true presence is a gift in and of itself.   When we truly can listen and offer up ALL OF WHO WE ARE. 

Whether we are listening to our bodies in our yoga classes, listening to family members recall fond memories over a holiday meal, or listening to a friend's struggle.... if we are doing so with our full presence, that is the best gift.... to yourself.... and others.

Have you seen the tear inducing Christmas  IKEA commercial?  Full disclosure, I tear up at a lot of things, but the one I'm referring to has children write a letter to the Three Kings (a Santa Claus equivalent, it tells us), as well as a letter to their parents saying what they would like for Christmas.  In their letters to the Three Kings, the kiddos go all out and ask for all sorts of extravagant toys (one child even asks for a unicorn, which is just awesome!) - they ask for PRESENTS. But, in their letters to their parents, they ask for time together, their attention - they ask for PRESENCE.

What are you listening to?  

What gifts are on your list this year?

Namaste,

Kristi