Countdown to Christmas: 12/17/23 — “Be Attentive to a Friend”

This year my Countdown to Christmas is a nontraditional Advent Calendar centering (pun intended) on mindfulness.

On the front of each card is neat little picture, and on the back are the instructions for the short meditation.

Today, the 17th Day of Advent … BE ATTENTIVE TO A FRIEND.

Here are today’s instructions:

True friends are very valuable things. They are there for us when we really need them and they like us for who we really are. Yet in the busy modern world of the smartphone and social media, it is not uncommon to find ourselves somewhat disconnected from our real, face-to-face relationships.

Your task is to disprove this suggestion and at some point this Christmas have a meaningful one-on-one conversation with a friend.

If you can arrange to meet face to face, make sure to be as attentive to your friend as possible. Make eye-contact, truly see your friend and consider their expressions, mannerisms and the way they are interacting with you. Listen intently and compassionately to what they say. Don’t plan what you will say. Go wherever the conversation takes you.

As you spend time with your friend, think about what things you cherish about your friendship, embrace the appreciation you have for it. Also, remain mindful of your own body language. How do you feel and behave when with your friend?

If you can’t meet up, the above can still be possible due to the wonders of online video technology. Failing that, give your friend a phone call. Pay close attention to their voice and look for opportunities to be cheerful in your conversation. Sentiments of love, optimism and humour between friends are things to be cherished.

Feel these joyful moments as they happen.

Oh, the joy of friendship!

May we all be more … Friend-ly.