With the new year peaking around the corner, it’s so easy to suffer whiplash – as we intently scan the past year and eagerly anticipate the next. But, as the infamous Yogi Berra once observed, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”

And so, my invitation to you for the remainder of 2013 is to be as present as you can possibly be to the people and experiences that cross your path in the closing days of the year.

Presence is an awesome gift, one that’s far more valuable than any presents that may come our way in this the season of giving. When we find ways to be present we’re much more likely to appreciate the delights of each moment as life unfolds around us.

I hope you enjoy reading a few of my favorite quotes about presence. May you and yours take every opportunity to be there – both with and for each other – through the holidays and beyond.

Thanks for staying tuned to the Pause message, and for sharing these ideas with family, friends and colleagues. Catch you in the new year!

Appreciatively Yours, Pat

Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. – Thich Nhat Hanh

Keep your head where your feet are! – Clay Nelson

How simple life is when we accept this moment, just as it is, without pretending to be other than who we are. – Richard Miller

We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake. – Marie Beyon Ray

Drop the story line, slow down enough to just be present, let go of the multitude of judgments and schemes, and stop struggling. – Pema Chodron

Do not ruin today with mourning tomorrow. – Catherynne M. Valente

The best way to get where you’re going is to be where you are. – Noah Ben Shea

When you wash your hands, when you make a cup of coffee, when you’re waiting for the elevator – instead of indulging in thinking, these are all opportunities for being there as a still, alert presence. – Eckhart Tolle

My presence speaks volumes before I say a word. –  Mos Def

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. – Lao Tzu

And one last word from me to you:

Hand drops

Pen rests

Mind stills

No striving … no straining

No seeking … no struggling

Just savoring …

One effortless moment in time.

From my family to yours, our best wishes for a peaceful close to this year and a 2014 brimming with fresh joys and new adventures. If you’re interested in taking a peak at our year, here’s a link to the Katz Family 2013 In Photos.