The most valuable gift we can give another person is our full and undivided attention. To acknowledge, appreciate and respect others means consciously creating space for the other to feel seen. Think back to the last time you felt deeply recognized because that was the last time you were in the presence of a Life Maximizer.
Making an impact – as a leader, teacher, business professional, creative – doesn’t necessarily mean one giant statement. It’s not required to start a movement (although that can happen) nor does it command global attention (although that can happen too). Instead, it’s about focusing on the one person in your world right now at a time and truly being with them in a robust and profound way.
To give the gift of presence, regardless of your official role or relationship with the other, consider the following:
1. Clear your mind and your schedule. Nothing is more important than the person in front of you in the moment.
2. Listen deeply with your heart. You can’t judge someone if you are in the space of love.
3. Honor the sharing. It’s not about what’s being shared but why the other is sharing it that really matters.
4. Reflect truth through kindness. Come from the greater whole rather than a tiny detail.
5. Connect through your active silence. Being alert and paying attention to the nuances is rare when our mind wants to jump into the moment with solutions, statements or soliloquies.
The gift of your presence is what can change the world in unexpected ways. Why? Because it’s now a rare and precious talent to truly BE with another person amidst the pace of life today.
Maximize your presence and watch the people around you maximize theirs as well.
I’d love to hear how you gift others with your presence – please leave me a comment below to share your story!
© 2015 Donell Hill
About Donell Hill
Donell (“Donnie”) Hill believes that people are here on Earth to thrive and live a joyful life despite any circumstances that life brings them. He combines his life lessons until now with his Stanford University education, experiences as a Certified Cancer Journey Coach and Peer Health Educator, as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a professional actor to help mission-driven leaders maximize their impact and create a legacy that elevates the quality of life and well-being of all those they serve. After all, our collective future depends on your joy and your willingness to share it with others. See www.TheLifeMaximizer.com for more.
Donnie,
I really love what you have written here. When we are truly present with a person it makes them feel alive and worthy. Not only is it the best gift we can give someone but in return we ourselves feel uplifted with a sense of renewal and wellbeing. It is the surest way to bring fulfillment and meaning into our own lives. We are so conditioned by the world/society to think it is always all about us. This myopic attitude leaves many seeking artificial means to gain a sense of worthiness and it is never enough and always a let down. Thanks for allowing me an opportunity to recommit to gifting others with my presence. Candace
Candace,
Thank you. 🙂
I lit up as I read your message because you ARE a powerful presence for those closest to you and for all those you serve in the future. I love the commitment you’ve made to and for yourself because it is your presence and your words that are the most powerful currencies you have. I hope you know that your masterpiece is continuing to unfold for you, and you just simply get to enjoy the ride along the way.