Several years ago, I sat in a comfortable armchair in the living room of one of my best friends in Dallas, TX. The room was designed elegantly, with meditative music playing in the background as a colorful accent light rotated bright colors over the walls.
My friend, Dave, a man who took me under his wing and offered time, friendship, and abundant wisdom, looked me in the eye and said:
“You are exactly where you need to be right now.”
The concept of being present startled me. How could I be present when I had so much to do, places to be, and money to make? I looked Dave like he were a crazy man (my ego, giving one last scream) and asked myself if I believed what he said.
Dave was a simple man, albeit with a flair of fashion, taste, and culture. He understood, quite well, what it meant to be a human being. When he said the above words, I knew that he meant them because he lived them.
In a city like Dallas, where ego is exalted, Dave’s words were a refreshing change.
I made a conscious choice that day to apply presence to my life; instead of thinking about the next step, I would make determined effort to simply be and accept the intersection of time and my physical/mental presence.
Wisdom isn’t like fix-a-flat; providing an instant fix when you find yourself deflated. Rather, it is a seed that requires time, patience, and humility before it blossoms.
Today, I find myself in a much different place than when I sat in Dave’s living room. That night, I took a gamble and decided to apply his advice to my life; being grateful and present in all moments rather than just the ones that felt good, safe, and comfortable.
I would encourage you to think about the idea of being present at all times. Intentionally choosing to be present, in all areas of my life (especially pain) has made every morning beautiful, and every evening a closing round of gratitude.
You begin to shine when you become present; illuminating the path for yourself, as well as those around you.
You are exactly where you need to be right now.
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