It seems that it would be impossible to be anything but present.

However, we have an amazing capacity to be distracted.

When you bring your full focus to whatever is happening now, a phone call, an interruption, an email, a report, or a child’s question; you stop being distracted and are present to be with the child, and answer the question. Or finish the report, deal with the interruption, or listen to a conversation without answering email at the same time.

And you can do all of that without adding anything to the moment like annoyance perpetrated by thinking this shouldn't be happening.

Instead of putting off the moment, you’re being present with the moment.

I have to remind myself to stay present. It’s a practice that improves my ability to be where I am. And although it sounds silly even to my ears to say we need to practice being present, we do!

You are always present with something.

What are you present with right now as you read this Uplifting Moment? Are you scanning or reading or thinking about something that needs your attention?

I scan many blogs out of curiosity. And sometimes I allow myself to be with the blog, and let it seep into my mind. When I do I’m present and connected with more than the words. Something gets transferred like a ray of sunshine warming my heart, and opening my mind to new ideas.

And then from time to time I realize that I’m not present with what’s in front of me.

I’m reading one thing and thinking about something else. You’ve had this experience if you’ve ever read the same paragraph over and over. I notice that my mind is escaping into what I need to do next, or if I’m engaging in any over-syndromes* I might escape into fantasy, aggravation, or just plain old frustration.

How does escaping into a distraction benefit me? The fantasy is good! I get to use my imagination and it usually results in a moment of laughter or a character for my novel.

The other distractions I find only benefit a sense of righteousness. And when I notice, I get to be present with how worked up I get over something that doesn’t matter, but is aggravating at the same time. So I practice being present with my aggravation, and you know what happens?

It disappears as aggravation. Aggravation only grows if you put energy into it!

At the same time being present allows you to face what is happening right now. And, to work with full attention. And, to finish what you start with awareness. And, to return to what needs to be done with love in your thoughts, words, and the actions you take.

When you're present, you connect not just with what you’re doing but also with the person you're doing it with. They exist for you flesh and blood, not some abstract idea, or list of qualities you expect. You replace expectations with gratitude, conversations, and agreements. All made possible by being present.

So here’s the practice this week.

• Notice your thoughts. Look into any disturbance with a trusted friend. I tell my husband when I’m disturbed, and he teaches me to be present, and determine the source of the disturbance. It usually disappears in the inquiry or presents itself as a clear action to take.

• Put your body where your mind is. If your mind is on cleaning up your emails, put your body in front of your computer (or smart phone), and answer or send emails with full presence of mind.

• Be present with someone you love. Eat dinner facing each other. Take time each day to connect. My mother-in-law would hug her husband of over 60 years each morning without fail. A small act of presence can be the glue that keeps you together.

Sitting on a yoga mat, and stretching does the same. Lighting a candle when I make my morning coffee is a moment to be present with deep silence and calm.

Think about what brings you present. Each moment brings the opportunity to practice … right now.

* For the over-syndromes go to Introducing Awareness Management

My love goes with you as you work with this Uplifting Moment.

Paulette will be facilitating a Spiritual Retreat at the Center for Spiritual Living in Tahoe City, CA

September 16 - 18

Her topic is: 

Fulfillment and Balance... A Simple Method For Powerful Decisions.

Fulfillment and Balance Retreat