Life has been … what … lately. At times overwhelming, at times sad, at times distressed, at times upset, at times peaceful, at times distracted, at times frustrated, at times joyful. In other words, lots going on. Especially in my head. Stories, worries, plans, lack of plans, projections, more stories. Scattered.
Recently I had a most wonderful Zoom conversation with a former student, now a friend, who lives in Saudi Arabia and is a devout Muslim. In speaking with him, I was reminded of his practice of praying at set times throughout the day. Perhaps I could adapt this practice to call myself back to center.
Another friend, who is in the No Way Café contemplation group, tells of a yoga teacher who suggested holding each yoga pose for five breaths.
So I put this together, and now I pause five times a day at set times to take five mindful breaths. I set my alarm on my phone to help me remember. It has taken a little getting used to, and I’m still finding my rhythm. But when the chime rings on my phone, it calls my attention back to my breath. It helps me remember. Oh right, breathe, return, align, allow, surrender, trust. And for those few moments, I am at peace.
Father Keating popularized the practice of centering prayer, which uses a reminder word during a time of prayer to call one’s attention back to God. He told of a nun who came up to him after a prayer period bemoaning her lack of focus. “I had to say my centering word a thousand times!” she complained. “That’s wonderful!” Father Keating replied. “That’s a thousand times you were connected to the divine.”
Like the nun, I might feel a lack of focus during my day. But at least five times a day I am centered and grounded. In addition, I’m noticing that now I remember to take some mindful breaths at other times, especially when feeling frazzled or scattered. The practice is slowly expanding and permeating my day.
A Buddhist teacher once said, when asked how often he meditated, “I am never not meditating.” The Bible advises us to pray without ceasing. I’m not there yet. But having a structured practice during a challenging time is gradually establishing a default orientation of mindfulness. And for that I’m grateful.
Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor. ~Thich Nhat Hanh
[Note: Yep, that’s me in my pajamas taking five mindful breaths this morning.]
I love this! The practicing makes breathing more and more the default, and brings more and more awareness and peace. Thank you!
Exactly. Thanks, Laurie. Glad you liked it.
I find myself praying at different times throughout the day, but I really like the idea of setting an alarm in order to pause, pray and breathe. Not long ago, I read an article about the Blue Zones and it focused on the benefits of doing just that. Physical. Psychological. Spiritual. It’s a three-for-one! Thanks for the suggestion, Galen!!
That’s so interesting about the Blue Zones. I looked it up. Sounds like you already have a regular practice, Pam. If you do set your alarm as a reminder, I suggest that you choose a pleasant sound like a chime. Thanks for commenting.
Breath is so fundamental and stabilizing for me too! Thank you for sharing this practice and its gentle way.
You’re welcome, Margaret. So glad to share this practice with you. Good to hear from you.
Yes, insightful!
I do the breath in for 7, hold for 7 let go for 7.
Works for me!
🙂
Another great breath practice, Phil! Thanks for sharing it. I appreciate your comment.
What a wonderful practice! Anything that centers us and connects us to the divine is worth cultivating.
Blessings!
Indeed, Martha. Thanks for commenting.
Love this idea, Galen! I might adopt it myself. Thanks for sharing it with all the interesting commentary.
Thanks for commenting, Sandra. Hope you find it helpful.
I so enjoy reading your thoughts about how to cope with today’s world. I love my yoga practice and find it always makes me feel so much better internally. I like the idea of stopping during the day for breathing and praying. Thank you, dear Galen.
Thanks, DJan. Yoga is a great practice, and you are right. These practices begin to spill over into the rest of our lives and benefit us on all levels. Thanks for commenting.
I’m am going to set my five reminders today, Galen. Thank you for spreading this wonderful suggestion.
I just read this small quote from Meher Baba this morning: “A mind that is slow is sound. A mind that is still is divine.”
Great quote, Gwen. Glad you like the idea. Let me know how it works for you. Good to hear from you and thanks for commenting.