Have you ever had a book you avoided
reading? There has been a lovely devotion book on my shelf for some
years that I never read. I have no idea if someone gave it to me or
if I picked it up at a book sale. The cover is inviting and the
title is simple and concise. “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann
Voskamp.
I opened it up and thought I would find
a typical devotion book about the sea,the trees and the wind. The
opening chapter is not like that at all. It is about the death of
Ann's younger sister and how the event changed and damaged the entire
family – forever.
Then she begins to speak about how we
recover from tragedy. Actually, it is Ann's story about her journey.
I recommend the book. This book coupled with other events has
made me more aware of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of paying
attention to this moment. Being present in your own life.
Philosophers and theologians more skilled than me have repeatedly
called us to the practice. The changing seasons provide each of us
with the opportunity to begin a new practice in our lives.
Walking in your neighborhood, Running
down the trail, sipping a cup of coffee – look at each activity as
a moment in itself. Don't just gulp the coffee and run out the door.
Taste the coffee and savor it's aroma. Notice the sound of your
shoe hitting the ground and your breath moving in and out of your
body.
In decisions and work, spend time on
the work itself. Studies have shown we are happier when we are
focused on what we are doing. Whatever that is. Work or play. When
we are always trying to be somewhere else our happiness decreases.
(Matthew Killingsworth, Harvard University. Track your Happiness
project).
It is also the process of considering
what your action is and will be in relation to the end result. That
means we are called to consciously decide our path. With each
option in our lives are we choosing peace or violence. The world
would benefit as a whole from this process. I can't change the
world. I can only offer my journey with Voskamp's insights.
It means being aware of what brings
you joy. The gurgle of a grandchild. The sky streamed with light.
We all can be nourished by absorbing those moments -- completely. Be
in the moment. Find your joy. Voskamp takes the spiritual challenge
to write down 1,000 things she loves. It improves her awareness of
each moment. I can testify it is difficult in the beginning.
I'll let you know how it goes.
