Advent Writing Challenge

An Instagram friend of mine shared an “Attending to Advent” writing challenge, and since I’ve not been able to think super deeply about the idea of producing non-work related content since being back from sabbatical, I thought I would give it a try.

I’m going to bust through a couple of posts to catch up here in my Creative Space this morning.

Attend

Day 1

Attendance sounds easy. You simply show up.

But actually attending is much harder.

This October I was reminded of the important of presence. Real. Full. Presence.

Not the physical zombie presence that I’m used to bringing to a space. Physically attending a space, but being mentally and emotionally elsewhere.

Physical attendance is easy for me. Show up. Here’s my face. But where is my heart and my attention?

I’m working hard to fully attend each moment I’m a part of. Unplugging from the distractions. Fully attending and immersing myself in what’s in front of me.

When I fully attend, I see and feel deeply. I notice the wrinkled skin around my son’s eyes when he really belly laughs. My husband’s hugs don’t come as a surprise, but instead a welcomed embrace. The warmth in the room covers my skin. The sounds of the Christmas music playing in the background leave deep imprints in my heart. I notice the smells of my favorite essential oils blowing, forever sealing this moment into my memory.

Life with is what it’s all about. Life together. Life connected. Life fully attended by you and those you love.