“Remember that “present” is more about being than buying" From: The Holidays?? Help! I forgot what they’re all about… by Sandy Gingras
Is this even a realistic concept??? I struggle with this on a normal day! If one is invested in giving the “Take December Back” thing a go; then it would hopefully allow more room to be present in the moment!
Now, let’s get down to it! Is the present (gift) more important than the present mind? I don’t know about the rest of the world, but in my house we do spend a lot of time talking about the gifts! It is actually stressful to figure out what to get and what to tell family to get for my kids; what a privilege for my family!! This may be one of those first world problems?
Why would someone who takes December back stress about gifts? Well, I guess I feel the pressure to do something super awesome for my kids! Gifts are exciting and I think it’s a time when children do get something extra special!?!? Right??? This is a struggle for me! My kids are getting older – so I think we have a more realistic vibe on gift giving! With that said, I have definitely had some major pressure over the years to get the right gift! We’ve even had a year when poor Santa did not get it right!!
The Wise Men gave Jesus Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. My understanding is that these were pretty nice gifts for the time! My kids are certainly not Jesus! They have definitely been given some pretty nice gifts over the years. Hmmm… I feel a bit responsible here as a person, a parent, and as a Christian for allowing presents to be of such high priority! Certainly, my present mind is more valuable than a gift!!!
Exactly what does a present mind look like, sound like and feel like? The concept of not thinking ahead and staying in the moment seems to make sense; but what exactly is this present mind? For me, true presence is when I am not thinking about what's next when attending an event and when in conversation with someone - I am focused on what that person is sharing and really listening (not just trying to get my 2 cents in).
This present concept is a lot!! Personally, it’s something I need to work at – I am a planner, I do lots things, if I‘m not thinking about the next thing- we will miss it. Even though I “Take December Back” with pride, I still need to WORK AT IT!
Some quotes to think about:
“If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present... Gratefully.” ~ Maya Angelou
“Now is the only time we have, and the only time we have any control over.” ~ Richard Carlson, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and it’s all small stuff