It's mid-December and we find ourselves still struggling through pandemic times. The nature of our casual encounters like those we might have at the grocery store have changed. To me, they feel less connective. We are not only distanced from one another physically, but emotionally as well. I wonder if this is how we truly want to experience one another going forth for as long as the pandemic lasts. 

A few years ago, I shared a practice I call "Grocery Store Smile." This was something I always tried to do while in the grocery story. I'd put a little smile on my face and make eye contact with a perfect stranger, or with someone who worked in the store. With a slight smile I could convey, "I see you," and send them a simple blessing.  With someone who looked stressed, I might smile and silently say, "May you be at ease in your life today." Sometimes people would smile back, or at least offer a little twinkle through their eyes, as if they had received my subtle kindness. 

Today, with masks on, with tension running high, many of us move in and out of stores as quickly as we can, and smiles are hidden. Eyes, however, are still the windows to the soul, as Shakespeare said, and even in pandemic times, we can convey goodwill with our eyes. Our eyes can smile, twinkle, shine a little brighter when we see someone. Our eyes can convey what's in our hearts—fear or friendliness, anxiety or appreciation. The choice is ours.

This holiday season, I invite you to try my Grocery Store Smile practice now and then. It's one easy way to convey Presence to people—and lovingkindness, too. During these times, we can all use a little more kindness.

Tis' is the season of giving. May we never forget how sweet it can be to offer someone the simple gift of a blessing.

Dear Friend, 
This video says it all. I am thrilled to be back Vlogging, Blogging, and Podcasting on a topic that feels so timely, so vital to our personal and communal well-being: Presence. Specifically how we cultivate this within ourselves for our personal benefit and the benefit of others?

Please take a few minutes to receive this transmission from my heart to yours. What does Presence mean? Lean in and I'll tell you. 

Please enjoy this Guided Meditation I've just created to guide you into an experience of cultivating and holding presence for yourself. 
​(13 min.)

Listen here:
http://www.awakenedliving.com/PresenceBlog/CultivatingPresenceforYourself.m4a
Or by downloading below.

In 2014, I created a full-day, Stay-at-Home Retreat. With so many of us staying home and working from home due to the Coronavirus, this seems to be the perfect time to offer it to you as a gift. The focus of this retreat is Metta—Lovingkindness practice. 

A complete schedule of activities and all materials needed to do the retreat are provided. The retreat kit includes links to 12 mp3s, most of which are guided practices & meditations, 6 handouts (pdfs), including invitations to express your creativity (through art), walking meditation and mindful eating. 

To receive this at-home retreat (with my audio guidance), SUBSCRIBE to this blog. The link to download will be sent to you in a welcome letter. SUBSCRIBE by entering your info in the green box on the right side of this page. That's it! Thank you for joining me in the practice of Presence. 

If you are viewing this post on your phone, scroll down until you locate the green subscription box.