4.06.2015

presence

 photo prescence_zps8k7203c0.jpg
  And so, my one-word motto for April is: presence.

I consider myself a chronic multi-tasker, so this might literally be the hardest challenge for me yet! 

In six days of this challenge, you know what I've already realized? You notice so many things when you're only thinking about the present moment. 

Things I've noticed so far: the sound of the pouring rain on my office roof, how everyone's laugh sounds different, how middle TN is all rolling hills and huge trees, and what my first thought is in the morning. 

Also, I think your undivided presence is the best gift you can give someone.   

Ever go on a trip or have a visitor, and later feel like you missed it completely? I hope that the constant reminder of presence helps me better enjoy time spent with people, especially those I don't see often.

How I'm doing it- very deliberately, until it becomes a habit. Re-directing every thought, as soon as my mind begins to wander, with the very simple mantra, "Be here now!" I've also experimented with                                                                                                 writing on my hand, and may try a certain piece of "reminder jewelry." 
I wrote more about this idea here.

In case you're interested, my mottoes for the year (with varying levels of success) have been: organize // love // discipline.

How do you exercise presence in your daily life? With 24 days left of this motto to go, I could use the tips, if you have 'em!
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9 comments

Alysia Avé said...

Woah!
This has been something I've been working on recently. Trying to be all in with whatever I'm doing is so hard and honestly scary for me. I constantly have to remind myself that if I do too much, I might miss out on something God is trying to show me or tell me. I can't wait to hear how this works out for you!

Alysia Ave

reshma said...

I love your monthly one-word motto and this was one is no exception! I could definitely be a lot more "present" in my life. Sometimes I find myself so dependent on my phone... if I feel like I'm bored even for a milli second... I'll be checking my email or doing something or another instead of just being in the moment and paying attention to my thoughts. With all the flowers blooming and the wonderful weather I think Spring is the perfect time to start this motto and be present in the moment! Good luck! :)

Larissa said...

About Presence... I just got this app yesterday which is called headspace and which is about doing small presence-meditation of ten minutes every day. I will try to do this thie week. Maybe its interesting for you too? Just check out headspace in your appstore :)
Have a great week!
xx
http://cenestquedelachance.blogspot.de/

Sara Strauss {Sincerely, Sara} said...

I love this! Presence is a beautiful world and a great one to live by, even if it's just for a month. I love the sound of raining hitting my windshield as I drive or against my window at home.
~Sara

Priya said...

It is kinda scary, isn't it? Sometimes I feel like not worrying or planning ahead about things will put me at a disadvantage, which is kindaaaaa ridiculous.

Priya said...

Oh my goodness-ME TOO! I try to shut my phone away in a drawer or in my car or in another room as much as I can, and not spend time on it in bed. So hard. Thanks Reshma!

Priya said...

Interesting, I'll have to check it out!

Lauren @ Exploring My Style said...

This is such an important thing to remember. I'm often worried about what I should be doing or thinking about a million things. Great motto choice!

Unknown said...

It's been interesting to read your catch-up post about this. I might have to borrow the word presence for myself this month, I am all over the place at the moment! XX

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