+ We are on an amazing journey. We are spiritual beings, heavenly beings, free to explore and discover, to create and enjoy. Spiritual practices enhance the journey. Practicing stillness is the foundation for all spiritual practices. When we become still, we establish a powerful connection to God and to all creation. All of our movements become more intentioonal and integrated. As the Bible puts it: "Be still and know that I am God."
+ "Be still and know that I am God" needs to be unpacked and fully appreciated. Perhaps a better translation of the Hebrew is: "Be peaceful and know that I am God" since the context of the Psalm is laying down weapons and making peace. I don't think we should ever forget that context as we practice stillness. We engage in spiritual practices for all creation. We are engaged in heavenly activity. We are creating the heavenly realm of abundance, joy, wisdom, beauty, love, truth, peace, justice and freedom. Every one is needed in this glorious, holy project. We need each other. We are not called to withdraw but to participate fully in the work and the play of heaven, right now, right here.
+ The power of stillness is expressed well in this famous quote by Franz Kafka:
You do not need to do anything; you do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. You do not even need to listen; just wait. You do not even need to wait; just become still, quiet and solitary and the world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked. It has no choice. It will roll in ecstasy at your feet.
+ Mark 6:42 is in today's lectionary readings: "And all ate and were filled." Reflection: We are always eating and being filled. Jesus said: "We do not live by bread alone but by every word God speaks." God is feeding our heart, soul, mind and body at all times, at this time, all the time. Enjoy and pay attention. Let go and let God ... right now ... right here..
+ The power of stillness is described brilliantly by Joseph Naft in his book The Sacred Art of Soul Making which is available in its entirety on the web at Practices in his Inner Frontier web site.
+ Speaking of Joseph Naft, he faithfully offers weekly lessons on spiritual growth at Inner Frontier. He has just begun a nine week series on "Stages of Body Presence." Lesson 1 (last week) was "Relaxing our Body." This week's lesson is "Body Calm."
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