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The first job I had out of college was in a small software development group. It was a sort of apprentice position, which meant that I handled office boy duties, while also learning about the work the group was doing. While I covered the office boy part I will admit I didn't take it as seriously as my "studies". One day my boss called me into his office and gave a bit of a discourse on "professionalism". He wanted me to show up for all aspects of my job and to commit to the minimal effort required to do them well.
I have always remembered this talk, which I took to mean that it was worthwhile to do what I had to do well, to show up and pay attention, not just for the things that interested me at the moment, but for whatever I was doing, especially if someone was paying me to do it. This is a matter of having respect for people I interact with, whether at work, home, or play. Perhaps even more importantly it is really a matter of self respect, being fully present as my Self in all situations.
Even when you are physically present, how present are you mentally, emotionally or spiritually? This is what my boss was speaking to. We often seem to show up only as much as seems "necessary" to get something done. We are really cheating ourselves, living parts of our lives half asleep, missing opportunities to explore, learn, grow. You may not always be able to choose (in the moment) what you are doing, but you can always choose how present you are. The more present you are the more interesting things become, the more human you are with yourself and with others; being engaged. This way life has a chance to give back to you. Can you complain that life doesn't give you what you want if you aren't present to receive it? and yet we all do this at times.
While my examples have been about work, this is equally true for all aspects of living. When you are fully present you can do anything with fuller satisfaction. It impacts all your relationships. If you are not present, other people are less likely to be. When you show up engaged with yourself and open to them, they are more likely to match you. When you show up and pay attention, people feel it and respond. Spirit feels it and responds.
Decades later I still remember that talk and when I forget I meet others who set an example that reminds me. I am still challenging myself to be more present, true to my Self, engaged with my life, not just half asleep going through the motions. It is an ongoing practice. We are amazing spiritual beings in human bodies. How do you make everything as alive, as rich, as deep as possible? How do you bring all of who you are to the table all the time? Practice this for yourself, any where, any time, why wait? If you need inspiration, ask. Listen to your heart, make room for your spirit to communicate. I.e. show up and pay attention. Life is much more fun that way.
(© 9/11)[read the full article @ http://www.wholebeingexplorations.com/archives/showup/ ]
I have always remembered this talk, which I took to mean that it was worthwhile to do what I had to do well, to show up and pay attention, not just for the things that interested me at the moment, but for whatever I was doing, especially if someone was paying me to do it. This is a matter of having respect for people I interact with, whether at work, home, or play. Perhaps even more importantly it is really a matter of self respect, being fully present as my Self in all situations.
Even when you are physically present, how present are you mentally, emotionally or spiritually? This is what my boss was speaking to. We often seem to show up only as much as seems "necessary" to get something done. We are really cheating ourselves, living parts of our lives half asleep, missing opportunities to explore, learn, grow. You may not always be able to choose (in the moment) what you are doing, but you can always choose how present you are. The more present you are the more interesting things become, the more human you are with yourself and with others; being engaged. This way life has a chance to give back to you. Can you complain that life doesn't give you what you want if you aren't present to receive it? and yet we all do this at times.
While my examples have been about work, this is equally true for all aspects of living. When you are fully present you can do anything with fuller satisfaction. It impacts all your relationships. If you are not present, other people are less likely to be. When you show up engaged with yourself and open to them, they are more likely to match you. When you show up and pay attention, people feel it and respond. Spirit feels it and responds.
Decades later I still remember that talk and when I forget I meet others who set an example that reminds me. I am still challenging myself to be more present, true to my Self, engaged with my life, not just half asleep going through the motions. It is an ongoing practice. We are amazing spiritual beings in human bodies. How do you make everything as alive, as rich, as deep as possible? How do you bring all of who you are to the table all the time? Practice this for yourself, any where, any time, why wait? If you need inspiration, ask. Listen to your heart, make room for your spirit to communicate. I.e. show up and pay attention. Life is much more fun that way.
(© 9/11)[read the full article @ http://www.wholebeingexplorations.com/archives/showup/ ]
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