Advent Day Twenty-One: Be Still

Be still and know that I am God — Psalm 46:10

This passage from Psalms keeps coming into my thoughts during these last few days of Advent. While classes are over, I find myself busier than ever–noticing that my determination to have a quiet, still Christmas season is not going so well.

My friend Tim, a frequent visitor to PRESS, stopped by the shop last night and remind me of the Psalm. He, like many people who know me, recognize that I have a difficult time being still, even though I know that stillness replenishes me. When I have a considerable amount of true stillness in my day (along with a good amount of sleep) my patience increases, my ability to creative problem solve multiplies, and I am generally more pleasant.

This self-care must somehow become my priority. Slowing down, understanding my limitations, being able to say no, and putting value into real rest and play must become part of my daily habits. I’ve been working on this the past six months. My happiness project helps me by giving me various daily challenges that remind me to slow down and look for moments of stillness throughout my day. When I find them, I often say the metta prayer. Like waiting in line at the drugstore, or pumping gas, or sitting at my bench in my studio, or even while cleaning the press. In each of these moments, and so many more, there is the opportunity for stillness.

Advent Day Twenty-One

“…We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness.  God is the friend of silence.  See how nature—trees, flowers, grass—grow in silence; see the stars, the moon and sun, how they move in silence. …The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life.  We need silence to touch souls … ”  — Mother Teresa of Calcutta

“If you love truth, be a lover of silence. Silence, like the sunlight will illuminate you in God.”
— St. Issac, 7th Century Hermit Monk