Practicing Presence

This morning I hiked in Sedona's famous red rocks. I took my favorite trail, an easy one with spectacular views. What I noticed is that I cannot hike and view at the same time. The trail is irregular, strewn with rocks. Overnight, a branch can fall and shatter in a place that was level yesterday. So if I'm walking, my eyes are down.

Occasionally, I stop to stand in awe and reverence of the amazing view. But I don't walk and view at the same time.

This observation this morning made me realize what is meant by "presence." When I hike, I'm present for walking. When I stop, I'm present for viewing. My hikes are good practice for life. When my husband speaks, I want to be present for what he says, not thinking about loading the dishwasher. When I load the dishwasher, I want to be present for dishes.

Well, you get it. Don't you? What experience has made you more aware of the importance of presence?