What Can Presence Do For Me?

     Today I had a deliciously memorable Labor Day picnic with my daughter and a dear friend on her deck, on a perfect blue-sky-yummy-air day, with a magnificent lake view.  The company, the weather, the food - one of the most lovely lazy afternoons I've ever had.  The gift of presence, absorbing every "vibe" and molecule of energy from my dear friend, left her energy tingling on us even after we left.  Now, granted, she has got amazing energy anyway, but knowing about how to stay present even with a squirmy baby was such a gift today.   You see, my dear friend only has a couple months to live, and because of the gift of presence, my daughter and I are privileged to carry her energy with us.  If I had never learned about presence, consciousness, and the power of now, it would have been a very different afternoon.  It could have been filled with nervousness, sadness, mindless chattering to fill silences.  Instead, it was one of loveliest afternoons I can remember.  Thanks, darling!