“Your presence is the most precious gift you can give to others for those you matter the most”
One of things I’ve learnt is that Yet no matter how shiny, expensive, and large the gift, it won’t be the greatest one you can give to anyone. Instead of focusing on material possessions, why not turn your attention inward and think about what you can do for someone instead? Sometimes simply being there and offering your time and love is just the gift a person needs.
It’s about giving people your presence – not presents.
Sharing unconditional love is something that you can practice all year round, too! We all have things going on in our lives, and it can make a world of difference to sit down with a friend or family member and just listen to them. Spend an hour talking over tea or coffee or invite them out for a leisurely walk through the neighborhood.
You know the feeling; you’re with someone loved and feel so connected, such a sense of togetherness, that the outside world seems to melt away. The one-on-one time is sacred; a moment where you two can share and actively listen to each other. It sounds so simple, but you’d be surprised how difficult it can be to fit into our daily lives!
Perhaps that means that we need to slow down and take some time to realize what is truly important. Fancy technology, huge material displays of affection, and hefty price tags don’t indicate the true feelings we have for others.
Giving people our time, our attention, and our generosity and kindness does though!
I know for me that practicing gratitude on a regular basis helps to keep me grounded in what’s most meaningful in my life. The past is behind me and the future is an undetermined moment that I have not yet reached. When I am completely absorbed in the present, I am better able to appreciate my body, and in general, my life. This principle applies to giving someone special your presence!
So how can you give this gift of being present and make your loved one feel connected, seen and heard? There are a few things, but these smalls things are easy to overlook or forget if you’re not paying attention.
Take care of your own needs first
Do what you can to take care of your needs prior to be present with other people
Fully listen—even if it’s a story you heard a million times before
Everyone wants to feel important, seen, and heard. Give your full attention instead of just waiting to talk, even if it’s a story you could repeat verbatim because you’ve heard it many times before
Drop the judgmental story and accept people for exactly how they are in the moment
It’s such a massive weight off our shoulders to know we can simply show up as we are, without pretending or having to justify why we feel how we feel.
Talk first to person, Social media later
I know how seductive tech connection and social media can be but try to be fully available to the person right in front of you. Your texts will be there later, but the person in front of you will not.
We’re only human. Sometimes all these great practices are just plain hard to apply. Sometimes we’re tired, or sick, or overwhelmed, or anxious. Sometimes we can’t let go of the pain someone once caused or can’t stop thinking about pain that might come. I understand, been there and done that.
And I’ve decided that’s okay. It’s okay to not be perfect. It’s okay to briefly be present and then get lost in our head for a bit. It’s okay to accept someone in front of us then judge someone else—so long as we eventually recognize what we’re doing
All we can do is in the times of everyday hustle bustle life, try on getting together with your loved ones and being full present in the moment. Be it a family get-together, a chat with a friend, or even a phone call, dedicate that time to engage with them and give them your whole presence – no distractions.
Much Love
RK
