Are you able to think about just one thing at a time? Seriously, just one thing?
I find it quite difficult to do. I have tried meditation and just ‘clearing my mind.’ Another process I use is to count backwards from 100. I picture the numbers in various fonts and colors on cardboard signs that people discard as I think about that number.
I tried that method again early this morning. I was awakened around 3:15 am by thunder. It never stormed around my house and I was just awake.
So I tried to count backwards. 100-99-98-97-chicken for supper tonight? Do I have any clean clothes? What time is my appointment today?
I caught myself and started again. I may have made it into the 80’s before I veered off thinking about Tim, vacation, work, the dog, the cat, the kids…. I believe I was finally successful on my seventh attempt.
Concentration is hard. Meditation is hard. Being still is hard.
Yet, we are commanded to do it. Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God. Or how The Message paraphrases it – “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”
“Step out of the traffic!” Get out of the jam or confusion or busyness of your life and look at God! Focus on Him and what He has done.
I try to find a quiet moment in each day. One would think it would be relatively easy. Tim leaves around 5:30am and mom doesn’t seek coffee for another couple of hours.
But my problem is not my environment. It’s my head. My traffic is all in my head and it takes practice for me to be quiet and still and concentrate on one thing.
I believe being still is a discipline – learned through repetition. As with any discipline, it’s difficult and doesn’t come naturally. But the benefits far outweigh the difficulty.
So I press on. I must guard this time for quiet and stillness. I must pursue it and remember its importance in my life.
What is your method/routine/practice/discipline for being still?
Reclaiming life - day by day and moment by moment. 