I am not here

A prayer to open a meeting

Although I’ve taken a seat at this meeting, I’m still thinking about what just happened in my journey to get here, so I’m not here…

I am not here

Instead I’m trying to remember which papers I have skipped and if it is going to be discovered, I’m trying to remember if I brought my notes, I’m worrying about my presentation so I’m not here…

I am not here

I am thinking ahead to outcomes and resolutions

I am not here

I shouldn’t really be here anyway, I am not sufficient, I ‘m not good at this, so, out with these projections, I am not here…

I am not here

I feel awkward and, honestly, stressed.

But at least that is real.

At least that brings me into my body and reminds me to breathe…

So I breathe

And with each breath I remind myself to be present

And remind myself of your presence too, that is always present with me, whether I am here or not. And so I pray for your quiet reassurance, that even where I am not sufficient, you always will be, and your breath will breathe me

Each person in this room, my ally beside me and my opposite across from me, is breathing here with me,

And so I breathe now and find my centre

And opening my eyes acknowledge

I am here, with you,

I am here…

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