I’m writing this in the midst of the holiday season, and there are lots of thoughts about presents – what you want, what to get others, and where to find the perfect present, right? It dawned on me this morning that being present is perhaps the best present.
In the hustle and bustle of our busy days and the craziness of our constant “connectedness,” there is a piece of me that craves peace, and I can only find it when I’m present. When I stop looking at my phone, when I start looking at eyes of the people around me, when I take a moment and take a breath, then I can be present. There is great power in the present, and I would like to share 5 tips to help you be more present this holiday season and any time:
P
Pause. More than anything, pausing is the key to being present.
When were are constantly on the go, which many of us are, it can help tremendously to even take two seconds to pause and take a deep breath. Perhaps close your eyes and allow your visual senses to have a moment to pause as well. When we stop what we’re doing, even for a brief moment, it can help us to appreciate the moment and possibly allow us to remember it better, too.
So next time you notice you’re not present, pause, and bring yourself there.
O
Open. My second tip for being present is to open. There are many ways we can open ourselves to the present. One way is to have an open mind. We are often so caught up in our own lives and stories that we sometimes fail to be present with others because we are not open to options. Another way to be open is to physically look at your posture and make sure your body language is open – arms uncrossed, head up and shoulders back, so you have an open heart. My final suggestion on being open is to open your schedule or calendar. Many people have things scheduled from morning to night with no “white space” to simply be present (I know I’m guilty of that at times!). So even if you have to schedule space in your calendar to do it, it’s important to open up time for yourself to enjoy being present.
W
Watch. The third tip for being present is to watch – watch what’s going on around you, and try to do it with the eyes of a child. During the holidays there is so much to see! Yet I wonder how many of us are really seeing it. Do you really see the lights twinkling on the houses, or the ornaments adorning the tree? Do you see the love in the gifts you gives as well as receive? When you take the time to watch the wonders around you, it allows you to be wonderfully present.
E
Empathize. This tip is an especially helpful way to be present with people who have a hard time during the holidays. Whether it’s understanding that the days are difficult for them, or sharing feelings of sadness with those who’ve experienced loss, just being there for others is a great way to be present. Empathy can even encompass being more aware of those around you as you go through your days, and understanding that you don’t know what’s going on with them, so it’s best to be present, patient and loving no matter how they treat you.
R
Relax. This final tip to being present is something many people find difficult to do. How can you relax when your schedule is so tight? The key is to schedule it! Whatever you find relaxing – whether it’s watching TV, reading a book, getting a massage, cooking a meal, journaling, meditating, walking, or anything else – make sure you give yourself the gift of time to relax and do those things. It is a gift that extends way beyond you, as when you take the time to relax, affects those you come into contact with, too. When you’re relaxed, it enhances your interactions with others because it helps you to be present.
Those were my 5 P.O.W.E.R. tips for being present. I hope they have been a gift to you. I’d like to give you another gift as well: A free session with one of our coaches! Visit www.coachseansmith.com/bookmycall/ to find out more and sign up now, or call our office at 805-552-4423 or email info@CoachSeanSmith.com.
