Peg and I just returned from three days at The Elements of Enlightenment Retreat on Sandy Island in Lake Winnipesaukee. Kim Grace and Kate Lemay and their incredible staff always do such a great job of organizing this retreat and taking such good care of all the participants and presenters. Thank you to them for bringing together all of the elements necessary to make this such a relaxing, rejuvenating and uplifting weekend each year!
This year the theme was “The Present of Being Present”. It was a wonderful environment for all to learn, share and experience a variety of concepts regarding Presence. Next year’s theme will be on developing Balance and Clarity….check the website as the plans develop. Next year the expectation is that this event will fill quickly and there is a limit of 100 beds so you will want to sign up early if you would like to participate. http://www.elementsofenlightenment.com/
Our keynote and workshops focused on the notion of Presence as a process and a practice….essentially that our true nature is that which we experience as Presence AND we can practice being present to ourselves and as we gain more clarity and focus with the ease of that then we can be more present to others and our world.
Our energy systems provide us with a map of consciousness that assists us to more easily develop the capacity to connect with and express our deepest spiritual nature…that of Presence. We can work with the energies around us to help facilitate and strengthen the emergence of Presence.
What are some “definitions” of Presence
Being aware, awareness itself
Paying attention, being attentive
Being mindful, mindfulness
Being alert to circumstances
Truly listening and hearing
Receiving the wholeness of another
Here are some of our thoughts on what it feels like to be present:
Being honest with yourself, inside and outside are congruent (feelings and self expression)
Being energetically aligned –a work in progress
Acceptance of your current state no matter what it is.
Authenticity with all of you not just nice parts. We are all part of the whole light and dark aspects.
Acceptance of other people just as they are; not trying to make them into someone they are not
Being at peace inside degree of peace you feel within is a measure of presence.
Feeling free to express who you really are
Inner experience of safety, honesty, and authenticity come with Presence
In the next post I’ll share more of what gets in the way and what is needed to bring more presence our lives.
Would also love to hear your thoughts and experience with this process and practice!
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