Hello Reader!
“We forgot the hugs and kisses part!”
The other night, during my 3-year-old granddaughter Cedar’s ten-step bedtime routine (potty, brush teeth, diaper, jammies, shade down, night light and white noise on, read one book, share our actual day and a “pretend” day, and set a timer for check-back) she suddenly announced, “We forgot the hugs and kisses part!”
In that sweet, simple moment, Cedar reminded me of how presence can be as gentle and essential as a hug or a kiss—something we often forget to give ourselves during the hustle and bustle of life. We must not forget the hugs and kisses part! That is the essence of embracing presence—a moment of affectionate attention.
The Embrace of Presence
I highlighted embracing presence in a recent workshop I led at Breitenbush Hot Springs. When it was over, one participant shared how, when I mentioned we’d be doing a guided awareness practice called “A Waterfall of Golden Light, aka Kissing Yourself All Over,” she hoped we would literally kiss ourselves all over!
I had to chuckle. I like to use the idea of kissing ourselves all over as a metaphor for letting our attention intentionally travel to all the different parts of our body. Still, her quip stayed with me. It made me think about our deep desire to be seen, touched, and cared for—and how we can offer that to ourselves through the embrace of presence.
Embracing Presence Isn’t Just About the Good Moments
Embracing presence isn’t just about the good moments; it’s also about those times when the intensity of life utterly rivets us.
Yesterday, I had a scary moment on a climb when I realized I was on a route seven grades harder than I expected. Tears flowed as fear gripped me, but my attention was fully in the moment, and I knew I needed to be present to respond with clarity.
Later, once safely down and on a more suitable climb, I noticed many more moments where it was just me and the rock, my senses alive and focused. Tears flowed again at the top as I took in the beauty around me, proud of my persistence.
Take Five Seconds to Tune into the Felt Sense of Being
If we consider embracing presence as an opportunity to give ourselves mini (metaphorical) hugs and kisses throughout the day, we approach life differently.
In moments of panic or anxiety, remember to take five seconds to embrace the simplicity of presence—something that is “always and already there,” as Adyashanti puts it.
Instead of letting the panic completely take over, tune into your body, searching for the “felt” sense of presence. Notice the thickening of the air, the stilling of the mind, the simple grandness of any fleeting moment as it captures your focus—this is the kiss of awareness on this human, who is doing their best. This moment is the embrace of presence—always available for a comforting hug.
In those precious five seconds, you might ask yourself, “I wonder what my next thought will be?” This question encourages your attention to pause momentarily, like a cat at a mousehole, instead of racing away on a new train of thought.
Good News!
I’m thrilled to share two pieces of news hot off the press!
- Naked in the Now won a Readers’ Favorite GOLD Medal award in New Age Nonfiction (Readers Favorite Book Award Contest has earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and is fully accredited by the BBB, a rarity among Book Award Contest companies)
- Naked in the Now was selected for inclusion in Spirituality & Health Magazine’s 2024 “Books We Love issue”! This was especially sweet as it was an unsolicited honor.
Will you help me share the news? If you have a social media account or newsletter, will you share this and help spread the word about the book? If you want to provide a link to the book as it appears on Amazon, I’ve included that, too!
- Link to Facebook Post about inclusion in “Books we Love” that you can share
- Instagram post about Readers Favorite Gold medal for New Age Nonfiction (or copy and use the link above)
- Amazon link
Upcoming Events:
Closing
As we navigate our daily lives, let’s not forget the hugs and kisses! Take five seconds to focus your attention on the felt sense of being–to embrace the present moment with love and compassion.
What small moments of presence can you cherish today?
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Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Winner! |
Smiles,
https://marijkemccandless.com
Kirkus Reviews endorses Naked in the Now!
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