As you know from yesterday, I had the opportunity to lead a group on being present. When in this role, I like to make it experiential. Not just talk about being present, but to actually do activities that bring us back to the present moment (rather than focusing on the past or the future). I'm sharing two here so you can have a go at them yourself. They work!
1) Do a 360
Stand up. Slowly turn in a circle. As you do, notice what is in front of you, scan from under your feet all the way up to above your head. See the flooring, the color of the wall, the framed art, the storefront, the trees, the lighting. Notice the colors, sounds, shapes, smells. Drink it in. Really paying attention to your physical surroundings is one of the easiest ways to get grounded and be present. If you have a moment, now move into another area of where you are, do a 360, see how your perspective changes. It may seem simple. That's because it is! That new perspective of noticing your environment, then shifting to another place and doing the same, will also give you a new perspective on "problems" you face and how to solve them.
2) Listing your appreciation for others
In a group, give each person a piece of paper. Have them write their name on it. Mix the papers up & pass them out. Have each person take an anonymous turn at writing a 1-2 sentence of appreciation about the person who's name is on the page. Pass it around until everyone has been able to make a comment. At the end, each person receives a page full of appreciation. It's a wonderful experience to pay attention to others in this way, fun to see what is appreciated about you, and even nicer if you share it out loud. That's what we did at the end of the group and it was such a great way to end the meeting. This is a fun one to do for yourself too!
Here's what was written about me:
"I appreciate the way you trust the group even when you are feeling vulnerable" (I do prefer writing my vulnerabilities than speaking them.)
"You have gorgeous eyes to match your personality" (I'm batting them now)
"Your eyes are open to the world" (It's true. Even when my eyes are closed, my third eye is scanning the scene.)
"Quietly, you have become our leader" (Didn't they know I was plotting a take over?)
"Gentleness and concern for others and obligations" (Most people think I'm shy when they first meet me, if they only saw me at home causing a ruckus and challenging my husband to a dance off.)
"Your smile. Your heart. Your generosity. Your ability to read my handwriting. And me." (That was my husband. He's right. His handwriting is pretty unreadable.)
"Would you consider facilitating next fall? You are the best!" (Remember the take over plot above?)
"You are an old soul and a gifted perspective person." (Why, thank you!)
Who wouldn't feel like a million bucks after that? Your turn, go find a group of people to appreciate and then turn in circles!
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