How thankful I am to be learning and practicing mindfulness at this point in time. It seems easy for some in our nation to be swept up in hysteria and unrest. I won’t be addressing who I think is right or wrong in regards to wearing masks or rioting in the streets, but I do want to write about how I am trying to respond when we are told to “look here,” “say this,” or “wear that.” We must pause, ask questions, and pray during this season of turmoil and unrest.
We are jumping back into our series on mindfulness this week. Though I haven’t given the mindfulness exercises 100% effort (more like 63% effort), I’m pleased with the results I am noticing. Like little sprouts in a veggie garden, I’m delighted by the small growth in my life in regards to living mindfully. I am notice this growth while asking three questions:
- What am I thinking about?
- What is my body telling me?
- How does this affect my prayers?
If you read previously in this series you know I am organizing the post with three quotes from the book Mindfulness by Mark Williams and Danny Penman. Then I list a quick summary of what I am thinking, feeling, and discovering from practicing the mindfulness exercises.
Quotes from Mindfulness:
Each of these quotes are taken from the actual meditation exercises written out in the book.
- “Remind yourself that the deepest stillness and peace does not arise because the world is still or the mind is quiet. Stillness is nourished when we allow the world, the mind and the body to be just as they are for now, moment by moment, and breath by breath.” Page 129
The first little area of growth I notice is that I am beginning to ask, “What am I thinking about?” Taking time to watch the mind’s traffic seems to slow the interstate speeds of thoughts in my mind. With so much distressing information coming in the news, I think it’s powerful to notice what your thoughts are telling you about what you are seeing and hearing. By taking a few moments to realize what you are thinking about, and just view your thoughts as separate from who you are, you become aware. This awareness brings peace.
- “What body sensations are here right now? Perhaps quickly scan the body to pick up any sensations of tightness or bracing, acknowledging the sensations, but, once again, not trying to change them in any way.” Page 132
I wrote more in depth about taking “roll call” of your body in the Mindfulness Week Three post, but I want to restate here that your body can reveal what is happening in your mind. I noticed several instances during the last two weeks where I rubbed my face with my hand. It’s something I do when I feel stressed. This can be a sign for me to ask, “What is my body telling me?” Yesterday I forgot to listen to my body until I was chopping vegetables for our stir fry supper and my head was pounding. It’s been a long time since I experienced a headache like that and today I felt I should apologize to my body. I felt a bit ridiculous, but I told myself I was sorry for not listening to my body until it was in pain.
The mind communicates to the body and the body reacts so quickly we might notice the sensation before we register the thought. We can work backwards and first ask, “What is my body feeling?” and then ask “What am I thinking?”
- “If the mind wanders many times, bring it back just as many times, beginning over and over and over again with the next in-breath or the next out-breath.” Page 128
This quote spoke to me about how to meditate, but it spoke even more clearly about how to pray. When news makes me feel overwhelmed, perplexed, or angry, I can begin again to pray. When I begin to worry or over-analyze, I can pray. Just like meditation I can begin to pray over and over and over again. With these little prayers under my breath (or in my mind) I bring my mind back to reflecting on Who is in control. As I breathe in, I can listen and hear His response or instruction. It is freeing to know when my mind wanders I don’t have to say “Why can’t I just focus on prayer!?” Instead I can remember prayer is over and over and over again reminding myself who God is as I talk to Him. Each time is a grace-filled beginning.
What I am thinking:
- With so much fearful and tragic news in our country it’s hard to know what to think and what story to believe. I feel a tension in my mind between wanting to ignore (as best as I can) what is happening and wanting to search out ways to make a difference.
- Mindfulness is providing me a way to explore my thoughts: take notice of what is happening in my mind. The awareness is relieving some unease.
What I am feeling:
- I never want to sit down in the evenings and meditate. However, when I do take the time, I’m glad with the decision. It’s worth the time commitment.
What I am discovering:
- The three questions I am learning to ask are showing me how to continue to wake up to my present reality- my present moment.
What are your answers to these questions?
What am I thinking about?
What is my body telling me?
How does this affect my prayers?
-Kassie Joy
When planting season is in full force, it is fun to watch the process. When you think about it, from start to finish it is fascinating. My family comes from a long line of farming, and the care that goes into this takes time, patience, and hard work. The corn is in the ground, the wheat is starting to show little golden rays, and this little ladybug was just there to enjoy it all. -Mandy June
