“Amidst the chaos of life, your unwavering presence is the
sanctuary others seek.” – Deepak Chopra
At the start of a recent Saturday morning yoga class I attended, the teacher shared these words of wisdom regarding the profound gift of our unwavering presence. We’re all familiar with the sentiment, “Your presence is gift enough.” But what does it mean to be truly present and how do we practice unwavering presence amidst the chaos of everyday life?

The first obstacle in achieving this, of course, is discerning what to be present too in any given moment. There are too many things: too many emails, too many deals/discounts, too many events on the calendar, too much happening in the local/global news to track, and too many to-dos; laundry, mouths to feed, people in need, as we toggle rapidly and constantly between them all!
How often do we truly give our full attention/intention to just one deserving recipient? We know that while our culture places high value on the ability to multitask, the human brain is not fully capable of setting its attention on more than one thing at a time; and our hearts suffer dramatically from the pressure and stress of many things left unsaid. Hence, the huge increase of heart disease, stroke, and deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups. One person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease. In 2022, 702,880 people died from heart disease.
Being fully present in every moment, including people and moments that matter most, can feel impossible: because it is! Perhaps we can change our mindset around what it means to be present? Sometimes the best way to practice presence is to pause and listen, really listen from the heart. Although it may sound counterintuitive, I find that when I listen deeply and intensely to my own needs, dedicating more time and attention to filling my own cup, I naturally begin paying closer attention to others. There is more of myself to offer, and so it flows freely. There have also been seasons of my life where giving of myself felt unattainable. Times that I have leaned heavily into the unwavering presence of others caring for me.
An extension of Deepak Chopra’s wisdom is….”that the gift of this sanctuary we offer others must begin with an unwavering presence to our own heart self.” Being able to listen fully to another person, with a full heart, begins with the practice of deep listening and attention to one’s own vital needs: rest, nourishment, physical activity, fresh air, and loving connection. There will be times when this gift to self is all we can give. And that is enough.
As you consider the greatest gifts to offer friends, family, and self this year, know that the most profound gift, and often the most difficult to give, is your healthy, heart felt presence. Before you find yourself clicking on the next “perfect gift” for any occasion, pause and take a breath. Ask yourself what you need to restore that peaceful inner sanctuary amidst the chaos and joy of life’s interminable busyness. When you feel ready, share it freely with those you love. And when you are blessed by the unwavering presence of another, give yourself permission to receive this as the generous, sincere gift that it is.
The moments of connection with the ones we love are truly the greatest gift of all.
Lolly odea polvinale: writer, teacher, holistic health practitioner, and adventurer of epic proportions; writing for newspapers in Baltimore and Gettysburg; copywriter for WGTY radio; teaching Penn State’s health classes in Adams County; additionally, offering stress reduction-meditation programs through numerous community organizations.