Hanukkah and Solstice celebrations begin tomorrow night. Christmas Eve is Saturday night. Have you wrapped the presents you wish you to give?
I’d like to invite you to unwrap your Presence.
In this time of gift giving, I want to remind you that to the people you Love, YOU are the gift. To the people who love you, YOU are the gift. To the strangers you meet, YOU are the gift. To the casual acquaintances you deal with each day, YOU are the gift.
You are the Light, the Love, the Hope of the season. YOU!
The warm coat you give to an impoverished child will eventually be outgrown. But the kindness will warm that child’s memory when they are old and grey.
The groceries you give to hungry people will be soon be eaten. But the realization that someone noticed and cared and helped will nourish both giver and receiver.
The cookies you bake with a child, the birdhouse or snowman you build together… all will disappear. But the memories will live on.
The songs will fade. The candles will burn down. But the children will remember your voice singing and the smile on your face in the candlelight.
The physical gifts you give mean something because of the Love they represent. Things fade. Love endures. Whatever you choose to give, whomever you choose to give to, please give with Love.
In all your busy-ness during the holidays, please remember that your time, your Love, your attention, your awareness can mean the world to others.
Let people know that they matter.
Sometimes all it takes is a little eye contact and a smile.
If you’re spending the holidays with family and friends, don’t just show up, be present.
Play the board game. Read the story. Help in the kitchen.
Wherever you are, whomever you’re with, make a commitment to truly BE there, for yourself and others, open-hearted and genuine.
+ Right now, make a list of at least 5 ways you can be fully present with others this week.
Unwrap the present.
It’s all that there is.
The past has departed.
The future is mist.
Unwrap your Presence
with Joy and delight.
And find, in this moment, your wings.
And take flight. 
– Eileen Lighthawk
Thank you for being Present Eileen!