The Scripture ~ “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Spiritual Focus ~ “Silence is the pause in me when I am near to God.” Arvo Part
The Devotion
There is a rhythm that surrounds us at certain times of the year. There are seasonal rhythms, family traditions, and the holiday’s that are woven in and through it all. If one does not pause to observe the subtle shifts, the distinctions, the changing rhythms are missed. There are some who complain that Christmas overtakes the holiday of Thanksgiving…not giving enough pause to transition from one holiday to another, but there is no such judgement from people who understand the ability to pause and be in the moment. Such folks know the benefits of pausing, becoming still and being surrounded by the fullness of the moment.
The French Jesuit priest Jean-Pierre de Caussade writes in his work, Sacrament of the Present Moment, “If we have abandoned ourselves to God, there is only one rule for us: the duty of the present moment.” He also wrote that to live in the present is finally what we mean by presence itself! Being available to the present moment begins when we pause, simply pause in silence. The practice of pausing is available to us anywhere and when practiced becomes a natural part of being.
Be still and know God is probably the most well known verse for people of faith who lean into contemplative practices, yoga is one of those practices. What we learn in yoga about being present to the moment, body, mind and spirit, pausing to feels God’s nearness, is the kind of practice that can be interwoven into all aspects of our life together. This week invite the practice of pausing, pausing to transition, in a pose or from one holiday to another, one season to another. Pause to enjoy the moment, the Presence, pause to share the moment in love, for the sake of Love.
Artwork courtesy of Emily Fiamova @playfulyogi
