Another Spiritual Luminary Gives Gifts

I've featured her here at least once a year, a bright shining star in my own life—author and psychotherapist, Sue Patton Thoele.

This morning I was reading through my copy of Excellent As You Are: A Woman's Book of Confidence, Comfort and Strength. I was reminded once again of how important it is for us to stay conscious and awake—especially during the holidays—when we can can easily be lured into overwhelm and a hefty case of spiritual amnesia, forgetting every "truth" we know.

I came upon this selection to share with you now, in the hopes that it will jostle your spiritual memory so that you can stay fully present throughout the preparations and celebrations of December.

Enjoy!  

Leave a comment here and you'll be eligible to win a copy of Sues' stellar book: Excellent As You Are!



 

Answering "Present!" 

Feeling bored or overwhelmed may mean that we are approaching life like an apathetic teenager going to school—not present with enthusiasm but rather existing in a fog of indifference. If we play hooky from life by automatically doing what has to be done and savoring nothing, we're robbing ourselves of the change to vigorously feel and live life. We are not answering "Present!" when life calls the roll.

In order to feel vitally alive and live up to our creative potential, we need to make a commitment to being present, up front, and alert in our lives—not slumped in the back row, lethargically waiting for the bell to ring. 

Encouraging ourselves to sit in the front row of life helps us to be attentive to and appreciate all of its varied aspects. When we answer, "Present!" we'll be rewarded by conscious living in which we are aware of our feelings rather than separated from them. 

I give myself the gift of sitting up front in my life.

I pay attention.

I have a right to really experience my feelings.

(Excellent As You Are © Sue Patton Thoele, 2009)