Opening to the Spirit
Today’s word: Presence
1
) How many times do we go through a routine activity only half paying attention? We drive to work and cannot remember anything about the trip because we are rehearsing a difficult conversation we are going to have with a co-worker. We come home and get changed and can’t remember where we put our keys that we always hang near the entrance.
When we do bring our total attention to something, be it a conversation, a task or an activity it becomes a very different experience. I might even call it a sacred experience, as odd as that may sound. When we do this, our surroundings become infused with a special kind of energy. It is as if we suddenly grow antennae. We pick up on subtle, non-verbal signals that inform us much more than do words. When in conversation it becomes apparent that what the person we are talking to has to say to us is important, and it matters. This kind of privileged conversation, carried out with a nonjudgemental attitude, creates a safe place for the soul to show up.
It has been my privilege to be present to this type of conversation. When it happens it is a gift to be treasured. I would even say that when we bring our full presence to the table the Holy Presence of our creator is there with us and it is palpable!
2
) Many years ago a seven-year-old girl from my congregation was chosen to present a bouquet of flowers to Queen Elizabeth at the airport in Ottawa. She was so excited, as was her mother. Then came the protocol list: in the queen's presence you must bow, lower your eyes, make sure you don't touch her excellency, and never speak unless you have been spoken to by her majesty. Cindy was a born hugger and she had to carefully restrain herself. “After all,” she said, “I'm in the presence of royalty.”
To be in the presence of someone special should not mean a restricted set of rules. In sacred terms, we don't need a formal tone of voice, King James English with long complicated words, or a special wardrobe to address God. There was a time when churches made rules about what clothing to wear, and only used ancient Latin in worship. Think about it. We are in the divine presence every day, whether we wear a tuxedo or pajamas. We certainly don't need to lower our eyes, stand formally, or wait until we are addressed before we speak. God is present in a child's smile, the wrinkles of old age, or the face of a homeless person in dirty clothes on a city sidewalk. When we open our eyes to see the world around us, and open our hearts in compassion we are in the divine presence.
Cindy actually did quite well that day. She had practised her curtsey, and resisted her natural urge to hug the Queen. I sometimes wonder if it was Queen Elizabeth who was in the regal presence, not the other way around.
3
) Ever received one of those classic invitations that read: "The honour of your presence is requested…"? Wrapped in sunrise, life issues us a daily invitation.
Thoreau observed in much simpler times that we tend to "live lives of quiet desperation." How prophetic for this, our electronic age, and all who suffer in droves from the epidemic disease of chronic busyness. Preoccupied with communicating through multiple devices, keeping in constant touch with "touch screens" in virtual space, it's as if busyness has become a virtue.
Should we take pride in claims of being "busier than thou"? Having places to go, people to see, things to do, keeping a full agenda with ringtone calendar reminders and rushing to and fro can fill our lives with purpose. The risk is in becoming endlessly driven, so distracted from the task at hand by the one just past or to come, we are hardly present for our own lives and each other in the sacred here and now. As the year winds down, the pace quickens. A clergy friend of mine has written a chant for this: "Slow down, slow down and savour." (Repeat, repeat, repeat…)
True presence requires concentrated energy and sharply focused attention. Wise teachers and spiritual mentors often possess a singular magnetism as part of their personal charisma. To experience the rare gift of a memorable encounter with one who is fully present, who turns to you face to face, and however briefly, grants to you the luminosity of undivided attention - is to know yourself truly blessed. Such rare moments give us a brush with greatness and remind us of our own. We come away feeling thoroughly seen and known to the core of our being.
Giving the gift of profound presence comes at no cost other than being generously aware and fully open to the presence of others. Among the round of gatherings with friends and family that brighten our days in this cold season, in chance encounters at the post office or in the shopping queues, and finally around the tree stacked with presents, may true presence be what we abundantly exchange in this holy season.
4)
One word, only three voices this time, as one of us is called to be fully present elsewhere. Now it's your turn to reflect: What does it mean to live a life of real presence?
This space is reserved for YOU!
Rev. Mead Baldwin pastors the Waterville & North Hatley pastoral charge; Rev. Lynn Dillabough is now Rector of St. Paul's in Brockville ON. She continues to write for this column as a dedicated colleague with the Eastern Townships clergy writing team; Rev. Lee Ann Hogle ministers to the Ayer’s Cliff, Magog & Georgeville United Churches; Rev. Carole Martignacco is Consulting Minister to UU Estrie-unitarian Universalists in North Hatley.