It might have been nerve-racking, conducting the workshop for The Very First Time. Thankfully weeks of preparation with the content and thoughtful conversations with my co-teacher alleviated some of the nervousness. Two days stood in front of us and the opportunity to share life-altering information. What would serve participants? Despite a tight timeline we were Fully Present with one another, the audience and the teaching experience, answering questions, observing engagement, holding a space for learning, however it might manifest.
The Very First Time for any endeavor can be demanding. The Very First Time can be 
scary. Yet, regardless of outcome The Very First Time is memorable. Think back to when you first met your best friend. Reflect on that favorite place you now travel to again and again. How about the presentation when you received a standing ovation? Or walking into a room knowing no one and leaving with new connections. Collaborating on a project with a new team and learning so much more than just the work itself. “Very First Time’s” arise often in our lives, creating anxiety or excitement and creating indelible memories. Which do you choose?
scary. Yet, regardless of outcome The Very First Time is memorable. Think back to when you first met your best friend. Reflect on that favorite place you now travel to again and again. How about the presentation when you received a standing ovation? Or walking into a room knowing no one and leaving with new connections. Collaborating on a project with a new team and learning so much more than just the work itself. “Very First Time’s” arise often in our lives, creating anxiety or excitement and creating indelible memories. Which do you choose?When we orient ourselves to Live as a Traveler we’re more willing to take risks and venture into “new territory”. So many cliches reinforce and advise that The Very First Time is worth any inherent risk:
- When someone shows you who they are believe them the first time. (Mayo Angelou)
- All my life I looked at words as if I was seeing them for the very first time. (Ernest Hemingway)
- No one can possibly know what is about to happen: it is happening, each time, for the first time, for the only time. (James Baldwin)
- If I don’t have time to live my life well the first time, when am I going to find the time to go back and live my life over. (Robert Fulghum)
The Very First Time is full of lessons and possibility. Either outcomes go well or not so how do we manage, staying open and benefitting to whatever unfolds?
Prepare as much as possible. This requires extra effort. If nothing else, set an intention.Be clear on how you’d like to show up in the new situation. When deep breathes are needed, remind yourself about why you’re trying something new. Preparation helps us feel ready and more confident. With preparation you’ll be able to show up with your intention.
Envision. Beat our predictive brains and let dreams widen. Then trust that you’ll be fine regardless of what happens. You’ll know what needs to happen next.
Observe. Notice thoughts in your head and feelings in your body and glean any information that informs the experience. The thoughts and feelings are to be observed versus becoming the experience. Step back.
The Very First Time anywhere for anything are senses are heightened. We’re paying close attention. We’re noticing. There’s an Open Awareness enjoying our sensations while also noticing them: the enjoyment or conversely the fear. We see so much more. We hear so much more. We notice so much more: language, interactions, differences, emotions and thoughts. The Very First Time’s creates richness to our lives. Prepare and step in. Celebration of life’s full spectrum to follow!
