The Present Moment
The digital age thrusts countless offerings of serious and trivial communication at us in our work and personal lives. Smart phones connect us anywhere, anytime. Mundane and micro business tasks can be accomplished in a touch. To increase our effectiveness and our wellbeing requires cool mastery of each new machine and warm regard for those with whom we live and work. By the choices we make and share with others we can remain authentic people.
This present moment is all we have. Our business and personal partners will be delighted when we give them our complete undivided attention. Withdrawal symptoms may set in at first.
Persevere with your new habits and it will get much better. Your productivity will soar.
Both Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and her mother Elizabeth had the practiced skill of making each person they met their only focus.
Active listening pays!
Look and truly see. Your sense of perspective and judgement will grow sharper and more certain. Listen for each subtle message behind the spoken words. Both are real. Both can influence future reactions and responses.
Turn that phone off in meetings. You are not indispensable.
Check emails a few times a day. Deal with important items first. Close out distractions when you are meeting with one person or a group. Honour their time and presence. The relationship will be enhanced; the partnership strengthened. Use the present moment whether in action, in transit or in a waiting pattern.
Small chunks of time create great value for the still mind. Move confidently in the direction of your personal goals. Do the hardest tasks first.
Face the things you fear early in the day. This opens your energy flow to meet the cavalcade of new things that demand attention and decision.
Treasure this present moment. Hold it lightly. Share the joy.