Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with my dear friend Melinda for a late afternoon lunch at her home. It had been over a year since we had seen each other. For lunch, she prepared these amazing vegan summer rolls, accompanied by refreshing raspberry smoothies. The ingredients for lunch were sourced almost entirely from her backyard organic garden! It was a soothing balm for the soul, reconnecting while enjoying this delicious meal. I felt nourished, nurtured and loved on a cellular level! Practicing gratitude last week allowed me to appreciate even more, the gifts that are present in each moment.
My lunch experience and many others from last week inspired the next suggested practice: Choose to be present
How often have you found yourself in this situation, or observing this phenomenon:
The practice:
– What would it be like to silence your phone, turn off the TV, or set aside anything else that distracts your attention, and choose to be present while visiting with friends or gathering with family? To fully attend to the person at the cash register in the grocery store or anyone else providing you a service?
– What would it be like to fully listen to someone, not only with your ears, but your eyes, noticing any sensations that are arising in your body, receiving fully with all of your senses, and then responding?
– How might your full presence impact interactions you have with others?
