Presence

Greetings...
Last Wednesday, I was honoured to attend City Hall for the 2025 Order of Vaughan Investiture Ceremony to celebrate a friend who was among the nine awardees. In our brief post-presentation conversation, the topic of ‘presence’ surfaced, and helped to spark the composition below. A plus to being at the ceremony was bumping into a former student whom I had not seen for thirty years.  What a night!

PERSONAL PRESENCE
 
Personal presence
Is a commitment
A basic discipline 
It’s about showing up, and being real
 
In so doing, we are privileged to affirm fellow sojourners in profound ways. 
It may be through greeting or otherwise acknowledging those we encounter 
Whether during a rejuvenating walk
Or while making a spontaneous purchase
Or some other occasion on which paths cross.
There is potency in simply addressing others by name
So too, a smile, a nod, a handshake, a pat, a hug, or a high-five
Is impactful in its own way
 
We reciprocate kindness
Whether in silence or in speech
Making sure, as we tell our stories
To listen actively, deeply, and attentively to the stories being told to us
So, we can learn with, from, about, and on behalf of each other.
Only then will we see one another as we actually are
And that our greatest growth occurs mutually, in community 
 
By our language
Including our countenance
We express interest and intent
 
Through wisdom, we come to realize
That the spirit of cheerful generosity
Is grounded in empathy and compassion.
Herein is a certain mindfulness
That must pervade all that we do, and are 
 
In this discerning, patient posture 
We become more attuned to prompts from our inner voice 
And we move on with noble purpose.
Even in the trenches with “the least of these” or the lowliest among us 
We necessarily nurture this thinking
In the name of authenticity 
 
Our attention and time are deemed most worthwhile.
The value of these resources appreciates
As they are dedicated to others
 
Verily, we see heaven’s goodness shaping earth 
As we create spaces of welcome and warmheartedness
Where the ‘show-up spirit’ is cultivated and sustained
 
All told, personal presence is a commissioned course.
To be present 
To give firsthand out of sincere love, with no strings attached
Is to really live fully
 
David McAdam - ©2025
www.davidmcadam.ca
www.youtube.com/@d.a.mcadam3538
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#presence  #reunion  #fellowship  #time  #community #care