In my therapy groups, people often express concern about the people who are not there. In response, I invite them to focus on the people who are there, including themselves.
I understand how those who are not there can overshadow those who are there. For example, this morning I spent some time wondering and worrying about people who used to show up regularly in the comment section of this blog, but who are not there. I can focus a lot on the people in my life who are not there (like my late parents) rather than the people who are there.
I am going to follow my own advice, today, and focus on the people who are there, including myself. I believe this will serve me well, as I
- give a presentation on my groups to my fellow social workers,
- run two therapy groups,
- sit with people who are there for individual therapy, and
- check who has visited this blog, throughout the day.
What might help me focus on what is there, rather than on what is not there?
Mindfulness — the practice of being as much as possible in the moment — helps me and others focus on what’s here and what’s now.
What’s there, in that photo? Those leaves — which are not there on trees any more — are going to help me and others be mindful of what is there, throughout the day.
There are lots of things I saw yesterday which are not there on my iPhone. Here are the photos that are there, here and now:
What music do you expect to be there, now, in this post? While “Stairway to Heaven” and “Born to be Wild” could easily be there, I’m choosing this song, instead.
Just in time for Halloween, the Zombies are there, with “She’s Not There.”
Thanks for being there!
Here, with enthusiasm!
I’m so enthusiastic that you’re here, Ruth!
Thanks Ann. Every day you wake up breathing is a reason to be enthusiastic.
I’m there with you, Ruth!
And here I am 🙂 Lovely post again Ann, for some reason I really love looking at those leaves.
There you are, lovely Kellie!
Bob Dylan biopic ‘I’m Not There’. He never was, and was played by various others, including the brilliant Cate Blanchett.
I’m not there yet, Derrick, but maybe I should watch that movie. Thanks for being here and there, brilliantly.
Good points all around and fun photos. 😊
I like the way you’re here, Wendy!
Thank you being there Ann!! Love the photos that are there today 🙂
Thanks for being there, lovely Val!
boo, dear lady!
Eeeeek! It’s great that you’re here.
I loved the Zombies before it was cool to love zombies ! Great song. I too have noticed, lots of bloggers are just “not there”. It’s a season of transition. No doubt, many will be back. ☺
I’m so glad you’re always here, Van.
(waving) Present! Sometimes all I I have time for i
It’s such a gift that you’re here!
Well drat! Big fingers little buttons on phone. Sigh.
Now it’s a double present!
I’m here but I’ve been told I’m never really “here” because my mind is always somewhere else. Perhaps that’s why no matter where I am it’s unfamiliar territory.
And that may be why as much as I love The Zombies the piece of music that came to mind was the version of “Also Sprach Zarathustra” as arranged by Eumir Deodato, which you may recognize from the Peter Sellers film Being There.
When you’re here, it’s familiar territory, which I love.
Here because I love being here!
I love you being here, too, Louise!
Hi Ann, it’s me. I am here, I am not not there. Hope all is well. It is looking kind of chilly in your neck of the woods. Brrrr!!!!!!
I hope you have a lovely, being present, kind of day!!!!!!
You weren’t there in Boston today, SD. It was WARM. Thanks for being present here, always!
Happy to be here.
Happy you’re here, Maureen.
I, too, am happy to be here after not being here because I was there for so long. I also see some wonderful things in your photos: A cheery, colorful, welcoming and affirming door quilt! The complete (?)absence of snow in Boston! Cattitudes galore! Humor in hi, Boston! I could go on and on but will not.
So happy to be here today instead of there.
Elouise
I love the way you go on, Elouise, here and there.
🙂
All that matters is that YOU are here Ann, that is very pleasing!
https://youtu.be/yRNvFPvN7LQ
Sometimes you write the most awesome things, Maria!
Thanks Maureen, it’s true, Ann is WordPress’ best kept secret!
I’m VERY pleased that you are here!
I’m still here, so long as I’m here. A Happy Halloween, Ann!
-Alan
I’m happy that you’re here, Alan!!!!
It’s lovely to know that you are here, Ann, and have written another great post. I just popped over here to read your post, and decided to let you know that I’ve enjoyed being here and not there, or anywhere else at this moment. The Zombies…a great name for Halloween. I used to love their song, She’s Not There’, many moons ago.
Thanks for being there, lovely Millie!!
I’m here and glad you are too! Such good advice. Sometimes it’s just a gentle nudge.
I love the gentle way you’re here!
Ha! “Have you hugged your pest management professional today?” That is something to think about, all right.
I couldn’t believe I saw that here!
The first image is a beautiful macro here, and not there.
Thanks for being here, beautiful Maria!
Not there is what a Pilipino gets for dinner when his Pilipina wife serves him “tampo”.
I’m not there, so I didn’t know that, Robert.
I like your advice on focussing on the ones that are present.
Yo, Ann K
I’m here now
I see you
Take a bow!
They say Ann K
She’s not there
We are here
It’s 🆒!Take care!
All present and accounted for Ann! 🤗
Thanks for being so present, Wendy!!!
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