CREATING A PLACE FOR INNER STILLNESS
"Through a rhythm of quieting and "stilling," of systematic preparation for prayer, we can attune ourselves to the mystery within us.
Contemplation begins with the quieting of one's whole lifestyle and being.
The following exercise will help you to cultivate this habit of inner stillness.
1. Prepare yourself. Sit, kneel, or lie for awhile in a quiet, comfortable place. Perhaps you'll choose a chair with a straight back; perhaps you'll take a cup of tea out on the back porch. Be comfortable. Be alone. Slow down.
2. Be aware. Notice what is around you. Observe how you are feeling. Systematically focus your attention on each part of your body: shoulders, neck, arms, hands, stomach, feet .... tell each part to relax.
3. Breathe. Take four long breaths. These can help you distance yourself from the speed and confusion of the office, of getting kids off to school, or of dealing with traffic.
(This reflection is by Sr. Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP, and appears on page 18 in her book: BEGINNING CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER: Out of Chaos into Quiet. The book is published by Servant Books. an imprint of St. Anthony Messenger Press.)
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