With the Holiday Season upon us, it seems like all of the focus is on gifts and presents. Both giving them and getting them are very important to most everyone.
This morning I see that the greatest gift is actually the present itself. The present moment, the present breath.
I am certainly guilty of often focusing so much on study and meditation that I forget the truth. The dhamma, the actual wisdom, is what is present right now.
Whether that is a bill that I am paying, a pain in my ankle I am feeling, or a violent sneeze blasting out of my nose and mouth, that is all that I need to be mindful of! No story of what brought this on, or what will happen next, just completely and totally in this moment. Without attaching any stories, I feel there is a small fragment of enlightenment exposing itself to me.
As Bhante Sujatha recently discussed in a dhamma talk, presents are something he gives every day. Giving love, kindness, caring and compassion every single day. There is no need to wait for a Holiday to do this.
And this is how I attempt to live my life; both giving and receiving the gift of the present.
I hope you will seize the opportunity to celebrate today.
May you be well, happy and peaceful.
