The time in the studio was measured in hours. Everyone, including me, needed to pay attention. I looked around and noted the many distractions. Friends, old and new, equipment, studio setting, food, refreshments, and a desire to experience everything were calling out for focus and time. On one hand, I knew these were not the priority or purpose. Yet, each was interesting, fun, and exciting! Staying focused was going to be a problem, especially with the passing of time.
I do not always find it easy to keep my priorities aligned with my decisions and choices. It is a problem that extends to all areas of my life. Even the basic pieces of life and living are challenging. For example, can I put personal care, physically and spiritually, at the top of my priorities? The blunt answer is yes, hopefully, and yet not always. As I focused my attention in the studio, the bottle of water kept whispering guidelines that helped me then and again today with the moment that is now.
Being present is a choice. Translated, it means turning off my mobile and putting it away. It also includes setting aside reading materials, both physical and electronic. With the preliminaries getting me to a doorway, I can step in and through, opening myself up to sharing the moment. The time may be with others, including Divinity, or at the beginning of the day, simply with my heart and soul.
Listening comes with a calling to be purposeful. My intent and purpose are to hear and understand. Ideally, my first responses are questions focused on clarity, awareness, and context. With these, understanding will follow. It is easy to be distracted, starting within myself. “These words keep ringing in our [my] ears: Today, please listen; don’t turn a deaf ear as in the bitter uprising.” (Hebrews 3.15)
Use understanding and awareness by putting the new knowledge into action. This asks me to deal with the “stuff” and do something about it. What follows will reveal my heart, ideally through words and actions of care and kindness.
