Being full present with those you love is the best gift we can ever give to them. It’s also a very difficult gift to give when there are so many other things vying for our attention. However, if we sit for even a few minutes and place our full attention on our child or partner or friend or parent, we are rewarded with a glimpse into the beauty of that person. And under such care, we can watch that person blossom and grow.

I try every day to spend some time focused on each of my family members. It’s not always a long period, but even a single conversation with unbroken eye contact, a whispered exchange while my 6-year-old snuggles in my lap, or gazing undistracted at my little one as he nurses all help me to connect with those I love on a deeper level.

It benefits them, and I know it benefits me.

“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”

–Thich Nhat Hanh

Do you make time to be fully present with those you love?  What are your favorite ways to do this?