Christmas is less than one month away. Preparations consume our time and
energy. Many things are a mess in USA
cities and internationally. I need not
remind you. Crises is looming
everywhere. There is anxiety in our
bones. What to do?
As I was reading something arose that I have known for a
long time. I am grateful for the
nudge. “Be present to the moment.” For example, when I am washing dishes, I am
washing dishes—aware of the soap bubbles, aware of the warmth of the water,
aware of the smudges, aware of the swirl of my hand and the possible pressure
needed, aware and perhaps in awe of the clean shine. So If I do it right, when I am driving, or
writing, or cleaning, or praying I am engaged in just one activity. It is not an ideal world and this does not
always work, our thoughts wander back to the pressures. But for the time that we can remain focused
on the task at hand I find that a certain calm ensues. Praise God!
As we enter into Advent, I am resolving to make more of an
effort to be present especially at Eucharist.
Thus I am aware that I am in this worshipping community. I am here and no place else. I am attentive to the words, to the hymns, to
the actions, to the presence of God. ( I
know God is present in each of us at all times including the times of stress
and of panic.) But for the time being
there is no stress, no panic just the people gathered for worship.
Sr. Mary Rabe, OSB
Dear Sister thank you for this good posting -- this is very good advice. One thing I realized is that when I feel just as you describe, with increased anxiety, I also note that my thinking is better, and though it is hard, I can thank God more fully. We have to remember that if we have worry it is also because the thoughts are active and quick, then we must get hold of them and focus. God bless and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you sister for sharing. I tried to focus on one task at a time, cleaning the car; reading books; jogging etc., it definitely helped me to find peace and calm.
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