Recently I had the honor to attend a talk given by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. Rinpoche is the founder and spiritual director of Ligmincha International, an author of nine books, and a master on the Bon Dzogchen buddhist tradition. Along with all of these accomplishments, he is also a humble, wise and effervescent spirit. He uplifts those around him by his presence alone.
During Rinpoche’s talk he spoke about the best gifts to give someone. Rinpoche listed the following:
- Space. Give someone space. The space to be themselves. The space to be exactly as they are right now. The space to figure things out. The space to be.
- Awareness/Connection. Give someone your awareness. Give someone your full attention. The sense of being seen. The sense of connection to someone else. Look someone in the eyes. See their true self-the one behind the mask.
- Warmth. Give someone warmth. Give them your compassion. Give them your love. Give them your understanding.
These three gifts really spoke to me because it is a concrete way to extend the same Presence I feel during meditation. So often my meditations are full of infinite space, connection to The-All-That-Is, and warmth from my Soul-self, beings and Source. I love the idea of extending these gifts to others. For me, it feels like a practical way to close the cycle of giving and receiving.
I hope that you will join me in this practice. Space, Awareness/Connection, and Warmth are qualities that we all deserve and crave.