Presence – Day 2

January 30, 2018


Recovery programs and religions teach many of us to live one day at a time. When my son died, even one day at a time was too much.

“Just stay present for each feeling,” a friend suggested one day. “If you’re numb, be numb. If you’re sad, cry. If you’re overwhelmed, be overwhelmed.”

Being fully present for each emotion—and for each moment—isn’t just a grief-survival tool. It’s a practical and valuable way to live life.

Application: Being present may be particularly useful when we are going through a difficult time, dreading what we are going through, not knowing what’s coming next, or starting something new. It’s also helpful when we find ourselves moving too fast, overly distracted, worried, anxious, overly focused on outcomes, living in the future or the past—or when we find ourselves inconvenienced by wearing those concrete boots.

From the book: 52 Weeks of Conscious Contact

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About the author

In addiction and recovery circles, Melody Beattie is a household name. She is the best-selling author of numerous books.

One of Melody's more recent titles is The Grief Club, which was published in 2006. This inspirational book gives the reader an inside look at the miraculous phenomenon that occurs after loss--the being welcomed into a new "club" of sorts, a circle of people who have lived through similar grief and pain, whether it be the loss of a child, a spouse, a career, or even one's youth.

For more information about Melody and her books, visit the author's official website