Uplifting Presence

"We rise by lifting others."

Robert Ingersoll

Old patterns of shame hold us tightly in place.  Past experiences of humiliation restrict us from reaching out.  Darkness grows until we experience change by the actions of one other.  It can be the tender attention from our favorite pet or the quiet embrace of nature, or the witness of a friend.  

It is a true blessing to have someone or something to be with us when we are spiraling down.  The sense of someone caring allows a small light to crack into our darkness.   The                          compassionate presence can silently encourage us to find a safe place to gather positive thoughts. Our emotions are once again bolstered by the uplifting of the generous presence.  

The remarkable element of this situation is that the person offering to be a silent presence, does not leave empty handed.  By freely giving awareness to another,  the person unconditionally receives an uplifting of his or her own.

What we extend to another returns to us then or in a future moment totally unrelated.   When we give to others, we, too, receive!