A Present

[Editor’s Note]: Adam Marshall wrote this post. He is a master and student at the American School of Martial Arts in Burbank, California.

The gift you give others when you are truly present is priceless.  Living in the past or worrying about the future only detracts from your immediate experience and takes away from the ability to be involved in your life and the lives of the people around you.  How often have you actually listened to someone else?  That is, without thinking about what you will say next (the future), or annoyed at the driver that cut you off earlier (the past).  Let it all go and spend more time in the present, and give the gift that only you can give.

11 Responses to A Present
  1. Christy
    July 6, 2010 | 7:31 pm

    Beautiful.

  2. Kristen
    July 6, 2010 | 8:41 pm

    Perfect! Funny, I JUST read something about this last night in Home with God…awesome!

  3. Mark Bladyow
    July 7, 2010 | 12:35 am

    Your emphasis that it is a gift to others when we are fully present is what I find especially helpful. It offers a different perspective that there are other people involved when my mind wanders. Thank you for the reminder of the benefits to all involved of remaining mindful of the present.

  4. Adam Marshall
    July 7, 2010 | 4:03 am

    Thanks B, Christy, and Kristen. That little saying I keep with me at all times. I’m glad you enjoyed it too!

  5. Red
    July 17, 2010 | 10:09 pm

    Man, if everyone could live their lives just a little bit closer to that thought, imagine what this world would be like.

  6. Adam Marshall
    July 19, 2010 | 3:32 pm

    Thanks Mark. So often we are caught up with ourselves that we forget to “give” someone our attention and really miss out on all the wonderful gifts we can receive by listening. Because whatever you give, you give yourself.

  7. Micki
    August 3, 2010 | 8:17 pm

    An excellent point beautifully said. Thank you for the reminder.

  8. Adam Marshall
    August 5, 2010 | 1:22 am

    Thanks Micki

  9. Bill Gustin
    August 29, 2010 | 4:12 am

    Adam, your statment is powerful!
    To listen to the wind
    one will learn its Way.
    To face the wind
    one will know its strength.
    To go with the wind
    all will share its power!

  10. Adam Marshall
    October 6, 2010 | 5:45 pm

    Thanks Bill. It’s good to hear from you. Take care!

  11. Gar-bear
    December 5, 2010 | 11:57 pm

    Love it! It seems you can actually achieve the most when you truly are present