Practicing Stillness
Photo by Susan Izard
Dear Soul Friends,
Workmen are installing bookcases in my office, and it has been an upside-down week. My office space is limited, and the men have had to temporarily move my desk into a bedroom with a window facing the road. This morning, as I settled into my desk’s new perch by the window, I was taken aback by the seemingly endless streaming of traffic I had not yet witnessed so early in the day. As I sat quietly seeking a time of contemplation, the noise of the speeding cars reminded me how easily our lives can be consumed by rushing from one activity to the next, robbing us of quiet pleasures such as watching the sun rise or listening to the birds sing. It seems there is always something for us to do or accomplish, and we can quickly forget our well-intentioned desire for a time of quiet reflection.
Regardless, it is worth trying to remember to be still at least once a day. One of my favorite spiritual practices is to pause in between meetings and sit quietly in my chair with my eyes closed. Sometimes I have time to sit for a minute or two, sometimes I only have time for a few seconds, but as the quiet pause comes to an end, I pray a simple prayer,
O Gracious One, I give you thanks for your presence and the gift of this day.
Help me to open my mind and my heart so I might hear you and know you.
Taking time to be still reminds me to let go of what I am doing, rest, and then turn my attention to what is to come. Pausing allows me to remember my soul is a part of my busy schedule, too.
The great 13th century mystic, Julian of Norwich wrote,
For our soul sits in God in true rest,
And our soul stands in God in sure strength,
And our soul is naturally rooted in God in endless love.
As you journey through your week may you find time to pause, be still and rest in your soul’s loving embrace and may you always know that you are encircled and surrounded in Holy Light and Love.
Deep peace to you,
Susan
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