Some days, I have a really hard time being present in my own life.
I work all day long with kids and parents who have a string of worries and feelings. It is my job to listen, to support, to give advice, to brainstorm. But mostly, it is my job to be present. To sit with a person in the moment that they’re in – with them.
This is easier said than done. Have you ever really tried it? Fully focusing on a conversation without thinking about your ever growing to-do list, the fight you had with your spouse, what people are up to on facebook or if you have new e-mail that you need to read?
It’s hard. There are lots of what we therapists call “intrusive thoughts” that steal away our ability to be present, even when we’re really trying.
It’s like a muscle that needs to be exercised, that needs practice on a daily basis. Mindfulness.
Today, I colored a picture of Dino (from The Flinstones) with an 11 year old while we talked about her fears of dying. I read a book with an 8 year old about flexible thinking. I played on the swings with a 6 year old and taught him how to introduce himself to a peer. I introduced a social skills curriculum to a 9 year old and his mother. I had a conversation with someone I supervise. I exercised at the gym. I went to a latin dance class with my husband, and locked eyes with him for a hour.
Today? Today I was present.
And it felt good.
