Yesterday we held our first intergenerational Second Sunday Sunday School (S4) since before the pandemic. After lunch, Betsy Majewski led us through a wonderful time of conversation about, and practice of, mindfulness. We were given a phrase to focus on, and then given time to walk around Centre Park to just be. Just Be. As I wrote that, I thought of the iconic “Just Do It”; an affirmation of the need to be active and healthy. These terms are complementary and necessary for a well-rounded person. Just do it, and then just be; take Sabbath time. Take time to see what is around us.
As we walked, we had different as well as similar thoughts. We noticed the wind through the trees and the traffic; I wondered what had been removed from the center of Centre Park. We walked and sat and paid attention to our surroundings. A new friend joined us and was curious about the area itself, but after we took a little time to explain some things about the neighborhood, we all got quiet. I thought of the first half of Psalm 46:10. “Be still and know that I am God.” I find it difficult to seek God around me when I am busy doing; I need to stop talking – stop thinking – stop moving – and pay attention. Just be.
For some people, Tai Chi or Yoga does the trick; they are practices that allow us to slowly and quietly move, focusing on our bodies and our spirits. For others, mindfulness comes from solitude and prayer; I found this among the Quakers in college, and I really struggled with that intentional stillness. Whatever practice meets our needs, I have found that it really matters to my spiritual health to take a little time to just be. To allow my mind to give up its constant motion so that God can creep in and blow the Spirit into me. To let go of my need to control everything and make space for renewal from outside myself.
How are you practicing mindfulness? If you aren’t, I would invite you to try it; to take a few minutes to sit and let things go. To give that monkey mind a break and see what happens. I am not very good at sitting still for any length of time, but a little bit goes a long way. I take out our church prayer list and read each joy and concern. I set it aside and consider the world around me. I try to do what the Psalmist said – Be Still. Know that God is God. Take a few minutes of peace in this fractured world. The world can wait.
Prayer – God, give us peace this morning to just be. Then send us out to just do it. Amen.