One of my first jobs was as a painter. The owner of the paint crew told me something that changed how I look at things. He said, “The most precious thing you can give anyone is your time.” I didn’t get it at first. My flippant thought was, *Well, I’m here.* Being physically in a place does not mean you are present.
What Marlin meant was being present with the person you are physically with. Look them in the eyes when they are talking to you and listen. Focus your body by pointing it towards them and leaning in. Focus your mind by setting your own busy thoughts to the side, just for now, and concentrate on their words. Its not as easy as it sounds. Your concentrated attention truly is a precious gift though.
I love how the movie theatres remind viewers to turn their phones off. Just think about how frustrating it is when someone’s phone interrupts the movie. Isn’t it just as frustrating at home? The most precious gift my friend gives me is the silent mode on their phone when we are watching a show together. They set aside the text messages, the phone calls, the e-mail notifications, the facebook alerts… They are giving me their undivided company and that simple action shows me how important I am to them.
How great would you feel if someone did the same for you?
How great would they feel if you shared your undivided company with them?
You don’t have to be a martial artists or Mr. Oliver’s student to be the example to others. Try being in the moment you are in right now. Practice listening better in your next conversation. When you watch a movie or tv show at home with your friends or family, just be with them and watch the movie.
The challenge is to give the precious gift of your focused time.