September Slow Down

 

Yesterday, we engaged in a prayer practice of paying attention to our body, mind, and all the things going on around us.  Yesterday, we considered the information we received internally and externally.  Today, we turn to the responses and reactions we have ~ creative/intellectual and emotional.  Remember, you are a great scientific experiment.  There are chemical reactions happening inside you right now as you are reading.  You are having a response to these words.  Sometimes we need rest from always needing to have an opinion on everything. 

 

This can be difficult and demanding because the world around us seems to demand that we respond always.  You must form a thought about that event, and you must honestly name your emotion for everything.  Maybe we don’t need to say something about someone’s post and picture of their dinner.  I can be glad they are eating, but does everything warrant a comment and commentary from me?  It can be exhausting to spend our lives on this treadmill.  God steps off and steps away from creating. 

 

To rest our minds and hearts is to open space for the Sacred.  Remember the descriptions from Monday:

 

Creative ~ we stop trying to come up with clever ideas or brilliant insights; rather, we receive.  To rest creatively is to cease believing the lie that it is better to give than receive; instead, open your hands.

 

Emotional ~ we live in a culture that loves to fan the flames of outrage and where we race around believing that only we can prevent forest fires.  Emotional rest calls you to slow down long enough to listen to your heart and pay attention to what is stirring in there.

 

Can you imagine a moment today when you don’t respond to something?  Pro tip: I would not encourage you to start this prayer practice with the news.  Rather, pick up a book you are reading or from your shelf, read a few sentences, and practice just receiving rather than reacting.  Let the words wash in and out, like waves you are watching roll in on the beach.  This takes time.  Our culture has James Bond-villain level creativity at pushing our buttons.  Read something, notice what you are feeling, but don’t race off to write a letter to the editor or comment.  Breathe and be.  If you want to level up, here is another prayer practice.  Respond to an email, but DO NOT send it.  Walk away for at least two hours, go do something you enjoy or take a nap.  Then, come back and read aloud, imagining you are saying the words right to the person’s face.  How does the email sound now?  To be sure, this takes time and practice.  Be gentle with yourself and find moments to rest your mind and heart in God’s sacred spaciousness.  Amen.