Giving Your Full Attention is The Present

Mother Teresa: “It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.”  There’s nothing like the gift of this moment, that’s why it’s called the present. Each day brings immeasurable blessings and opportunities for happiness and success, or chances to heal from our past and move on. Like a gift, beautifully wrapped at the foot of your bed each morning, today asks that you open it and enjoy everything inside. Relish the moments the day has to offer, both the challenges as well as the pleasures. Realize with the gift of your full attention you become more loving and open to receiving the gifts of the day. At the end of the day you can sleep knowing that tomorrow morning another gift will be waiting.

When I continue to look into the box of yesterday, or last year, or ten years ago, I often feel depressed and defeated. I easily fall into believing I will never be enough, and might never reach my goals. Instead, I daily make a pact with myself to not be defined by my past. When I offer Spirit, my character defects. I see that I can be free to step into this moment as a new person -- someone who can accomplish my goals. Today is a new day! My dreams are a reality waiting for me to materialize. When I choose to not let my history interfere with my destiny, I learn from my past so that my lessons and memories can empower my present.

This past week I have been dealing with car problems. Our mechanic, a genius about cars, who is also very caring and never gouges me, was stumped as to what is wrong. As a result I have been future tripping about how I’ll be able to buy another one right now. Really scared about what this could mean for my future, the present was not present in me. Work was a challenge to stay focused. However, I kept hearing a sweet voice that said, “Everything will be all right, all will be well.” Each time I panicked that voice kept me company reminding me that, “I am here now”. Ignoring the cars computer, the last possible option ended up solving the problem, and the car runs better than ever. Now it’s time to stop kicking myself for not listening and worrying myself out of all the gifts of the moment.

For this weeks exercise instead of focusing on your dreams ask someone close to you to talk about their goals, and aspirations. Give them your full attention. Instead of waiting with baited breath to get your two cents in about your dreams and goals, give them this moment. Listen with your whole heart and mind. When they ask for opinions or suggestions, simply ask them what does their heart say? Reassure and encourage them while being that listening ear. Afterwards write down what you felt and how the experiment went. Were you impatient, awestruck, or puzzled? Or were you amazed by how quiet, subdued and kind your inner voice felt? Imagine that this is the sweet listening voice that guides you forward to accomplish your dreams. By embodying this sweet voice with a friend, you have learned how to continually give yourself the gift of the present.

Questions? I am happy to answer them here. You too can have your name in print.