Be still

In his book, "Everything Belongs", Richard Rohr shares a prayer that he encourages those seeking a contemplative life to pray. It goes like this.

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I've entered a season in my life where I am consciously striving to be less of a "human doing" and more of a "human being".

I don't think I was prepared for how difficult it is to simply "be" in this world.

Everything, and I mean everything, conspires against a life that involves being present, being aware, and being still. There are so many distractions, so many needs and so many internal voices that judge, nag, whine and demand.

The moment by moment opportunities to smile, to speak kindly, to sit quietly and pray...these things get so easily lost in the daily busyness of "doing".

I am finding that it takes planning, practice and perseverance to slow things down long enough to "be".

That is why I am praying Rohr's simple little prayer several times a day. Doing so, serves as a tangible reminder to both myself, to God and the universe at large that I am determined to live in the here and now.

It helps, it really does.

Don't believe me? Give it a try!

If praying this prayer doesn't slow your breathing and still your mind, e-mail me and tell me about your experience. Or better still, leave a comment and let everyone know! Perhaps what you share will help all of us to stretch and to grow.