Learning to be “present” could be one of the best gifts you give to yourself and others this next year. But as you’ve probably already discovered in our distracted, anxiety-filled world, being “present” not at all easy. It will require some effort, some training of the soul.
Perfect fodder for a new year’s resolution! But wait, you cry… wait! This is not impressive! Just one goal?! And one that cannot be measured (in pounds or otherwise)?? But let’s think about impressive in a new light… imagine what being present could open up for you:
- What would it be like to look deeply into the eyes of those you love, and really see them? Hear them? Understand them? Imagine just one evening marked by deep connection with those around you? What would open up? How about a whole week? An entire year?
- And what would it be like to shake off those nagging chains of guilt and self-hatred mentioned in the video? Who doesn’t need ongoing protection from the hissing, scathing voice of the accuser?
- Or, what would it be like to feel fear as you face challenges, failure, adversity, or conflict… feel it, but not be driven by it? What would that kind of freedom taste like? What possibilities would a fearless perspective open up for you, day after day… month after month?
As some overarching themes, your soul has to get comfortable with silence. It needs to find it’s true voice, and it needs to rest in God’s love. Here’s some ways that have helped me. You may find many valuable others elsewhere…. But find them. Learn to be present. Train your soul to Be Here Now.
By: Mindy Caliguire (@mindycaliguire)
Mindy Caliguire is the founder of Soul Care, a spiritual formation ministry, and Director of Transformation Ministry for the Willow Creek Association.
Thanks for this awesome reminder! It was spiritual disciplines that gave me breakthrough last year!
ReplyDeleteHi Janine! Thanks for your comment... and I'm glad this served as a good reminder. Hooray for breakthrough!
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific gift your true presence is to those around you... GODSPEED in your ministry!
Great post. One of the great challenges of our time is the ability to slow down, focus and be present. I have found that when I am not well practiced in solitude and regularly being present with God and myself I have a difficult time being present with others. I tend to get distracted (or choose distraction) over really attending to, hearing and caring for those around me. I like to call this distracted, detached busyness "being productive."
ReplyDeleteThanks for another Great post Mindy. As Christ continued to be formed in me (man why does it take so long!, too many rocks on my path), may my presence be Christ to them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Josh and Brett. Great idea to NAME our distractions-including the euphamisms we use for them.
ReplyDeleteAnd along our rocky path, what a miracle of incarnational ministry that our presence with others might be Christ to them. Amen!
"Choose distraction"... Josh, that's a great thought. How often do I choose distraction instead of staying present?
ReplyDeleteI think one of the things that has, in the past, kept me from being present is the idea that I will have to dig into all the things that are driving me, defining me, worrying me or paining me. Being present to those things (and working through them) doesn't sound or even feel good most of the time. It's easy to commit to being present when the feelings are good, but much harder when you know that deep work will be required, and that not everything that I am present to (in myself or others) will necessarily be positive.
And yet, as I have recently been reminded, being distracted or numbing out my emotions or true self during less positive times means that I won't be able to truly feel the joy, either. And, boy, do I want that joy and the relationship with God that generates that joy.
Another thing I've realized is that I need to reframe my relationship to those disciplines that help me to become present, like the ones that you've mentioned, Mindy. Instead of tasks, they are opportunities to rest in the graced presence of the One who is always present to me. I'm not going to be judged on how well I do (or don't) do these things... they are paths to be journeyed upon.
Thanks for these great thoughts, all!
Grace & peace,
Tara
A word thought that has begun to resonate with me lately is that there is a certain "with-ness" to ministry and life. God's "with-ness" toward us and our "with-ness" toward God and those around us. I want to become a person that is "with" God and others in the truest way possible.
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