Blessings for Big Leaps

"Do the earth a favor, don't hide your magic."

-Young Pueblo

You are magic. You were born magic. Some part of you knows this as truth. I'm sure you have felt it here and there. I know this is true for all beings because when I look deep into the eyes of another human, with an open heart and with love, I can see it. 

Perception is key. How we see ourselves, each other and the world is all based on the lens we are looking through. It takes practice to get acquainted with the lens and to understand that much of it is made up of our past experiences. It takes a great deal of continuous effort to clear the lens in order to welcome in what is truly present. 

Many new year practices recommend reflecting on the past before setting intentions or goals for the future. I have engaged in a variety of these practices around this time of year, and they have been helpful in many ways. This year I am experimenting with something new: a commitment to the practice of loving presence. 

I have found that the greatest and most fulfilling experiences of being in connection with myself, others, and the world have happened through the practice of loving presence. Loving presence is different than just presence because it asks us to cultivate a certain quality.

Loving presence is a state of being that requires an ability to experience life with an open heart and a non-agenda based attitude.

It is about meeting whatever arises with compassion. This may sound impossible to do at times, especially when considering moments that feel quite dark, challenging, triggering, and upsetting. While we may not have the ability to change the circumstances of any given situation, when embodying the state of loving presence, we can transform our experience of these moments. 

I just recently had an interaction with someone, while underground at St. Clair West Station, which I feel is a perfect example of how the practice of loving presence turned a challenging scenario into a moment of connection. After a long day of supporting clients at the home studio, due to poor planning on my part, I was rushing to catch the last train home back to Prince Edward County. I ran to the subway station and when I got to the bottom of the escalator I noticed a kerfuffle at the ticket booth. The ticket collector was arguing with someone who entered the gate with an invalid pass, and there was another person standing about five feet from the booth that I was desperate to approach for payment. I stood there and took a few deep breaths through what felt like an eternity as the issue between the collector and the gate hopper came to a resolution. Before charging the booth to make my payment, I turned to the person standing near to the booth and asked if they were in line. With bulging eyes of rage, they shouted these words at me, “You are very rude!” Instead of reacting, I came to a quick realization that this person was extremely triggered and could possibly be living with unresolved trauma and/or struggling with their mental health. I saw their basic humanness and I felt love for her despite her hurtful comment and rage directed at me. I grounded myself and looked deep into her eyes and with loving presence, I said, “My apologies, I am trying to catch the last train home from Union Station and I just didn’t give myself enough time. I am rushing.” They stopped, looked stunned for a moment, and then softened. “I am sorry. Please go ahead,” they replied. I thanked her kindly, and for a brief moment, I enjoyed the feeling of being in connection with this total stranger. I paid my fare and surprisingly, caught my train with a few minutes to spare. When I finally sat down in my seat, I noticed that I had a smile on my face and there was an expansive feeling around my heart. I thought to myself, that was my practice in action. 

There is a felt sense of freedom that comes when we consciously respond to whatever is arising. When we become conscious of our tendency to react to life through old habits and beliefs, when we take time to understand them and notice how these reactions may be in the way of love and connection, we can begin the process of letting go and the practice of loving presence. It is like trading in an old lens for a wide-angle lens that allows for a greater view of life with more opportunities and room for magic. 

I wonder what would happen if, for everyone, the goal for the future could be more about staying in the present. What if we could bring the same loving presence that we bring to practice, when we are on our cushion and/or yoga mats, to everyday life? What would this world be like? 

I’d love to hear what this message stirs up in you. 

Reach out anytime. 

In Love and Connection,

The ProcessLisa MessinaThe ProcessComment