I Am Here

“I’m here.” I associate those words with comfort.

Whether we are offering these words to let someone know we are “there” for them or receiving the words in assurance that we are not alone, there is a sense of being in this together. Even when we do not call on a companion for support, knowing that we can call on them if necessary can bring a sense of calm and safety.

“I am here.” When I feel most on my own and there is no one else around, I hear these words from God, asserting that I am never truly alone. This knowing of another being with us is a step toward love casting out fear.

As I recently contemplated the idea of “being there,” I was wondering how often we are able to say, “I’m here” to ourselves. How often do we take time to be kind to ourselves? How often do we even take the time to be present with ourselves? It seems much easier to sit with another and listen, offering attentiveness and care than it does to tune into the needs of our own soul, the innermost part of ourselves that connects us to God, and through God, to each other.

In our frequent focus on all that we must accomplish or all that we must be for others, we tend to miss the moment we are living in and to be unaware of inner experience. In noticing what is going on with ourselves, we are much more able to bring our whole selves into our actions and interactions, fostering a greater sense of well-being for self and a greater connection with others.

Even taking a couple minutes each day to ask ourselves how we are and listen to our own feelings with curiosity and compassion rather than criticism and judgement can transform our ability to “be here” for ourselves and to “be there” for those who need us. Be kind. Be gentle. Be present. Be here. For others, yes, and for you too.