I can’t believe the end of the year is almost upon us
what a year it has been! At times it has been intense, sometimes spacious, always interesting and incredibly enlightening!
How was it for you?
Did you have experiences this year that caused your heart to sing?
Were there some events that touched your deepest sorrows?
How about fears- did they show up this year?
What is it that you are grateful for and what do you regret?
These are some of the questions I enjoy pondering because they support me to be conscious of what is happening in each moment, to be curious and authentic about what I am choosing to do; where and how I show up. 
What are you choosing?
I’m curious, at this time of the year, when someone tells me they have to visit relatives and they would prefer not to. I was reminded of this yesterday particularly when I overheard a shop assistant said to her colleagues:
“Think of me on Christmas day, I’m going to be with my partner’s family. He doesn’t speak to his brother, the sister doesn’t speak to her dad, the tension is terrible, I really don’t enjoy being in this environment !”
Do you visit places you would rather not?
Are you ever in households where the relationships are fraught with tensions and you would really like it to be otherwise?
I don’t believe it’s at all possible to change others, but you can change the way you show up. This can make a significant difference to those around you.
We can all do this!
Making the difference may be as simple as:
- Choosing to be present instead of wishing you were elsewhere!
- Hearing what people need instead of criticising!
- Listening more than you speaking
- Focusing on what you are enjoying instead of what your not!
- Relaxing your body and breathing deeply, being calm.
- Smiling
- Playing a game
- Saying thank you
Hi Tracy, I love your email wording and pictures and the general focus and uplift. I especially enjoyed reading your points on showing up more present.
Making the difference may be as simple as:
Choosing to be present instead of wishing you were elsewhere!
Hearing what people need instead of criticising!
Listening more than you speaking
Focusing on what you are enjoying instead of what your not!
Relaxing your body and breathing deeply, being calm.
Smiling
Playing a game
Saying thank you
I’m guessing these are a great match for your audience,
I am intrigued and curious as to other ways of inviting more presence too – like naming observations – or focussing on the breath or body sensations, or stretching or moving the body to shift state, or saying “I’m here, now ” or remembering that we are safe, loved and belong…
Great to hear from you. I appreciate your comments and additions to tips for being present “here now” 🙂