Be Still.

TRUTH

Keep trusting. This once-wafting thought has become a repeated mantra over the past several months as life has thrown me curve balls I do not understand. An invitation to trust God and the process of His plan has been met with resistance as the longevity of discomfort and uncertainty has taken its toll mentally and emotionally.

Yet, as I carve out moments of stillness each day to meditate, to pray, to ponder, to purposefully be still and observe and listen and to trust what I know to be true, I find grace and strength to continue in hope. Let me share such a moment...

A few weeks ago, I felt impressed to attend my friend, Dan McCormick's (free) master class on the importance of affirmations. Throughout the 40 minute class, multiple references were made to coins, and experiences were shared about finding pennies and other small coinage on the ground and our choices to express gratitude for abundance - even for the smallest gifts.

I have to admit I experienced a moment of discouragement as I considered the consistent and dedicated efforts I make in affirming positive language every day of my life and the recent lack of specific results I had experienced over several months related to these affirmations. Fortunately, that discouraging moment was brief and my thoughts returned to persistence and hope.

Following the early morning master class, I prepared to go on a long walk in my neighborhood. It was a cold, crisp Saturday morning and no one else braved the sidewalks at this early hour. This jaunt would offer me mental stillness while still allowing my body to move.

Less than three minutes into my solo walk I spotted a clean, shiny, and beautiful quarter lying directly in the center of the sidewalk two steps in front of me. I couldn't believe it. As I reached to pick up this coin, I expressed gratitude for my abundance AND for the tender mercy and message from God in that moment through this simple event. I was being reminded that He is aware of my circumstances and my dreams and my efforts. And He is the giver of all good things and has not forgotten me.

Upon further observation of the quarter - as is true with all U.S. coin currency - the words, "In God We Trust," engraved next to George Washington's face provided me a gentle nudge to keep trusting. And so I shall. 

BEAUTY

As long as I can remember, I have loved the exquisite beauty of blown glass. And I've had the fun opportunity to create a few of my own pieces at glass-blowing shops.

It's incredible to watch the transformation of batch (sand and minerals) - as it is plunged into fierce heat, blown, pulled, spun, cut and continually heated - turns into a stunning work of art that reflects light and beauty.

So it is with us. We think we can tolerate a little pull or pinch or a gentle brush with heat - as long as the discomfort is brief - to mold us into something a bit better. Yet, our Master gaffer (the glass blowing expert) knows the exact amount of heat and pressure and tearing and pulling and molding required for our lives to become masterpieces. He knows the end from the beginning and the light we can reflect - IF - we will trust His hands to shape and beautify our lives. 

If the raw materials of glass had the ability to choose their path toward creation, they would most likely recoil when placed in fiery furnaces or pulled with shears. Finished blown-glass masterpieces that we use and delight in would never exist. Only lumps of sand would remain, never knowing their immense potential.

So, why do we recoil and panic and fight when we are placed into fiery furnaces and continuously shaped by our Master gaffer? What if, instead of resistance, we sought for stillness, for surrender, for peace in trusting the process? Could we act with acceptance and hope and even joy in the masterpiece we might become in the Master's hand?  

GOODNESS

Stillness is a gift we can offer to others by creating space for them - which means we actively listen without judgement, accept their perspective, and allow them to express their emotions. 

When we are fully present and engaged with another, our minds and bodies are still from distraction creating an environment of stillness. And this stillness allows for greater likelihood of active listening, which increases trustworthiness, understanding of the message, and satisfaction in communication. 

We each can practice, even in brief moments, the gift of offering space and creating stillness for another person. 

EXCELLENCE

In what seems like an ever-increasing fast-paced and demanding world - our daily, intentional commitment to stillness becomes a lifeblood to face the perplexing circumstances that beset us. 

Personally, I find stillness in meditation, prayer, scripture study, moments in nature, and yoga practice. As a woman of faith, listening to God is a priority in my life every single day. And His voice is difficult, if not impossible, to hear in the ramble and rumble of my never-ending to-do list. So, setting aside time (typically in the 5am hour) to meditate and pray and study and ponder before the world awakens is the best practice for me. When I am consistent with this schedule, my emotions and thoughts are grounded and my day flows with increased focus and strength.

What are best practices for you? If you are exploring ideas to increase stillness in your life, may I suggest a few resources:

• The SAVERS method as described in Miracle Morning
• Yoga Nidra 
• Stillness Meditation 

 "Inner stillness is the key to outer strength." - Jared Brock

A FINAL LOVE NOTE

As we have stepped into winter in the MountainWest, the deciduous trees have lost most of their leaves and the sparse few which remain are lifeless. The winter months of stillness to these trees is crucial as energy is conserved and nutrients are stored in the roots, promoting growth and preparing the tree for its active contribution in spring and summer months.

Stillness is crucial for you. The control of energy and the healing and answers that will come to you will increase and enhance the contributions you provide our world throughout your life.

Remember - you are divine and loved. You are beautiful, worthy, and strong.

Lovingly,