Mindfulness
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.” Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
James 4:13-14
This passage from James reminds us of the fragility and uncertainty of human life and our plans. It encourages us to hold onto our plans and ambitions with humility, recognizing that our lives are often subject to powers beyond our own. It also speaks to the importance of mindfulness – the intentional awareness of the present moment – as a means to align our lives with God's purposes. Mindfulness helps us grasp the significance of the present and the uncertainty of the future. It encourages us to appreciate the beauty of life's simplicity and seek divine guidance for our plans.
Of course, this is easier said than done. It’s a challenge to focus on the present when our lives are filled with constant distractions. We are bombarded with digital notifications, obligations, and endless to-do lists that prevent us from focusing on what truly matters.
That said, our tradition offers some helpful resources to help you put into practice mindfulness. “The Book of Common Prayer” provides several devotional liturgies that are meant to be prayed throughout the day. I encourage you to take a few moments to crack open your Prayer Book and pray through one or more of these offices. Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer and Compline are good places to start. These provide intentional “pauses,” which allow us to set aside the busyness of our life, and, even if only for a moment, to center our thoughts on God's presence.
Second, consider starting a gratitude journal in which you record moments of gratitude found in the present. Reflect on the blessings around you – a beautiful sunset, a kind word from a friend, the cool breeze from an air conditioner, or a moment of quiet solitude. Third, limit your digital distractions. Set aside specific times of the day to check emails, social media, and notifications. Or consider taking an extended sabbath from one or more of your digital devices. Taken together, these practices can help you regain focus and appreciate what God has given you in the moment.
Cultivating mindfulness is not just some modern-day hack or fad. It’s an ancient Christian practice. The Scriptures are full of examples of God’s people pausing to pray and connect with God. Jesus Himself was fond of this practice. We should be as well. Doing so will renew our minds, strengthen our connection with God and deepen our appreciation for the life we have been given.
