Precious ‘Present’ in Present Days

Reading, to me, is an art that's as powerful as music, movies, or painting. One word here, one phrase there, one story somewhere; each holds the power to awaken something within us.

I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said that many of my version updates in life have been triggered by something I read.

A few days ago, I came across this line by Walter Anderson:

“The most sincere compliment you can pay is attention.”

What a profound thought!

In today’s world that's filled with gadgets, pings, and endless scrolling, to give or receive attention has become both precious and rare.

We often relate to compliments as words about someone's looks, work, or behavior, isn't? And then when I came across this quote, it felt like someone gently rattled me and said 'Hey, but attention is the compliment that goes beyond words. It spreads a strong message that “You matter enough for me to pause.”

So, what really happens when we pay attention to others?

• Feeling valued, seen, and heard: When we give our full attention, looking, listening, and responding mindfully, without a glance at our phone or the urge to multitask, the other person feels genuinely valued.

• Authentic connection: Undivided attention builds a quiet bond of trust and respect.

• Enriching experience: When we are fully present, we tune into the other person’s frequency. That presence creates moments far more memorable than any spoken compliment because being there is the most powerful action we can take.

Whether it’s our loved ones, colleagues, or even a passerby reaching out, if we can fully tune in, even for a moment, imagine the impact we create! Can there be a greater gift than that?

In coaching, we operate from this very premise. Being present is not just a practice; it’s an act of respect, empathy, and deep human connection.

Let’s take that mindful pause. Pay attention. For in that moment, we may just touch another life and our own.

In the fast-paced world of today, isn’t this the precious ‘present’? the quiet gift of being truly there?

The quiet gift of presence in a world that rarely pauses!