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Earlier this week I shared that I start my morning routine with a few moments of silence. I just focus on my breathing and listen to the sounds around me. I try not make lists in my head or problem solve. Rather, the goal is to just be still. You could call it meditation, I guess.
Discovering meditation
This practice is something I have discovered in recent years. First, tentatively. Meditation sounded a bit new-agey to me and possibly not very Christian.
However, the breath-work part of my yoga class quickly became one of my favourite moments of the week. I subscribed to a meditaion app (I used the Headspace app) in order to learn more about meditation and loved it. The more time I spent sitting in the quiet with no distractions, the more peaceful I felt. I started noticing that I grew less forgetful, that my thoughts weren’t as scattered and I was able to concentrate longer and more easily.
Christian meditation?
Then, something wonderful happened. I discovered that meditation is actually deeply rooted in Christianity. Most books on spiritual disciplines start with a chapter on silence and solitude. The Bible mentions meditation countless times and when we examine the life of Jesus we see him withdraw to be on his own on a regular basis.
I read “Invitation to Solitude and Silence” by Ruth Haley Barton and listened to a number of sermons on the topic. I was so inspired that during Lent 2021 I started each morning with 10 – 15 minutes of silence. It wasn’t easy – but at the same time such a transformative practice. Experiencing to just be in God’s presence was new and healing. Focusing on his loving gaze upon me and nothing else, changed and deepened my relationship with my heavenly Father.
An invitation to be (still)
So, here’s a little invitation. To close your eyes for a few seconds and to take three deep breaths.
In Psalm 46:10 God says: “Be still and know that I am God.” Maybe ponder these words for a moment.
“Know that I am God.” – What does this knowledge change? Does it help you to be still, to let go, to pause? You can trust in his power and provision.
“Be still.” Take a deep breath.
“Be.” Take another one. God invites you to just “be”. He has done everything that needed to be done. He cares for you and fights for you. You can let go. You don’t need to achieve anything or become someone else. Just be.
Let’s be still
To finish, here’s a song by one of my favourite bands. I love the lyrics:
The world is just spinning a little too fast. If we don’t slow down, we might not last. So, just for a moment, let’s be still.
Have a wonderful, restful Saturday!
This is Day 18 of my 100 Day Project. You can learn more about my 100 day project by reading this post. If you want to do your own 100 day Project, I would recommend checking out the 100 Day Project website.
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