Your presence makes a difference.
- clearstreamzendo
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
This week’s topic for reflection is “Your presence makes a difference.” Being present to your situation, to how you are feeling and what you are thinking and being present to those around you is vitally important. Being present means seeing the way things are with curiosity and wonder. Curiosity as if it’s new, because it is new.
Meditation is a good way to practice being present. Zazen in its pure form is simply being present. In order to do this we have to allow ourselves to become still physically and mentally and for awhile let go of doing or accomplishing. Just be still, open and present. This is easy to say and not so easy to do. You might want to ask the question, “What is this?” Hold the question lightly and don’t expect any particular answer. Stillness does not mean nothing happens.
We have many, many defenses against being present. Being present can be scary or painful which we often want to avoid. Some strategies to avoid being present are trying to control, ignore, create an imagined separation through self consciousness and also anger. Try to notice when you are not being present and how you have avoided what is happening.
Being present goes along with caring. If my mind is somewhere else I won’t really see and take in the homeless person with his cardboard sign right next to me. The other day my wife nudged me by asking, “Should we give him something?” When I rolled down the window he came over and I gave him a dollar and two energy bars. When he sincerely thanked me I saw he is a kind and sensitive person. I had noticed he was present and let him know I was present to him. I’m sure it made a difference to both of us. Being present is also asking others, “How are you” because we really don’t know. It might even encourage them to check in with themselves and discover how they are. One of the most valuable things we can do for others is be completely present with them. Unconditionally present. We can and need to be responsive and involved but the presence is unconditional. This could be a five second encounter with a homeless person or a much longer visit with a good friend. It’s wonderful to see and be seen.
We also need to be present with ourselves. We all have a lot of healing to do and one of the first steps is uncovering where we are hurt. Anger, fear and confusion are often good indicators we need to be present and curious to something. Ask where is this coming from? Just be present to the feeling and allow it to tell you what you need to learn.
Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion of the topic for reflection blog from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Gassho,
Futai
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