One Thing at a Time

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.