​ PRESENCE ... AND GETTING THERE

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​Time.  Time.  Time.
 
Too often, many of us – most of us – complain about not having enough time.  “There just are not enough hours in a day.”  “There is no way I can do everything I need to.  I’d have to be two people.”  “Where did the time go?” 
 

Sound familiar?  Okay.  So, now is your opportunity.  Chances are, you have more time to do whatever it is you have always wanted to do.  Maybe, now, you have a little bit more time on your hands to take on that task you said you would if only you had the time.  There are DIY projects, new hobbies and interests sitting on that back burner waiting to be picked up and tackled.  And what about self-improvement?  The time could not be better.  Now is the time to become all you can or, at least, take those baby steps on those areas you know could use a little (or more) work. 
 
Heck, this is the ideal time to work on a trait or character or skill that you know could only improve your life.  
 
With self-quarantines and social and business restrictions in place, millions are spending a significant amount of time at home.  Many not having a clue as to what to do next.  Others bored silly.  Even more simply letting the unfamiliar and unwanted “extra” time get the best of them. 
 
For those who are out of work and struggling and don’t know where to turn, I do not profess to have the answer for all your problems.  I would, however, encourage you to consider applying for a job with the grocery stores and restaurants that are, not only still open, but are thriving and steadily hiring.  The industry might be one out of your comfort zone but it could produce much needed income and offer you a different experience you might come to enjoy.  Often, great joy and rewards come as a result of doing something we would not have even considered but for the serious push we got.  Go ahead.  Give it a try.
 
As for those of us who simply want to know how to fill the day, try discovering the answer from yourself.  Go within to learn where you should go from here.  Wherever your here is.  Get present and let the answer emerge from you.  How?
 
Find a place where you can sit quietly.  If only for 5 minutes, sit quietly for 5 minutes.  I know some of you are laughing and asking how are you supposed to do this with kids around.  Make it happen.  Even if it is long after they have fallen asleep, give yourself the gift of 5 minutes.  If you are able to be more generous to yourself, then, please, do so.  Set aside 15 minutes.  Whatever time you are able to get still and quiet, get started.  You can grow from there.  For now, do what you can.
 
Find a spot and sit quietly with all distractions removed.  This means no cell phones or other devices, no televisions or other electronics, no one else around,  ... nothing and no one but you in a room, in a space all to yourself.
 
Try to think of nothing.  Just take slow and deep breaths.  It is very common for the mind to wander.  If it does, do not judge or beat yourself up. Over time, you will find yourself becoming less distracted by your thoughts or any other noises.  Just continue breathing deeply and thinking of nothing.  Simply concentrate on your deliberate breaths.  In and out.  In and out.
 
Have no expectations and no agenda; just be still and quiet.  Just be.  This is being present.  Your presence is not a concentration on the current events or whatever else is happening in the world.  What is happening is not “the present” though it might be occurring at the present time.  Being present – your presence – is a matter completely different than attention on external happenings.  Do yourself a favor.  Get present.
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In your presence, you will discover much.  Your “much” will not necessarily come to you as you concentrate on your breaths.  You might not even have a revelation immediately following your stillness.  You might experience an eye-opener or have a moment or an enlightenment at any given time thereafter.  You could be in the shower, washing dishes, in the middle of doing the laundry when it hits you.  Your “it” is a birthing from your “presence” that could take place at any time so be open.
 
The more you spend time in the present, the more that will emerge from you.  While present, you are connecting to Source, the Creator, your God.  This is where all power, energy and answers live and they are all within you.
 
Do this as often as you can and you will notice change.  Your life will begin to change, bit-by-bit, presenting more peace and clarity, and introducing new ideas and direction for growth.
 
Presence and getting there might be a new and challenging concept for you but what worthy investment isn’t?  Becoming Present will reap great rewards for you. 
 
As for all of us, wherever we find ourselves in what can be an unsettling day and age, contemplating what we should do differently, who we really are and who we really want to be are questions we should all be asking.  Now is the perfect time to “get it right.”  Try to right some wrongs.  Do the right thing.  Make peace.  Be kind.  Love others – all others.  And now, you know just how to make it happen.
 
Peace.  Be still.

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