Too often, our minds and our imaginations can run wild. And sometimes they take us down dark paths and into unsettling places.
It can happen incredibly quickly.
Worry sets in.
The mind can begin to spin, and spin and spin.
We can imagine catastrophe. We panic.
It feels like a dark, downward spiral.
So what to do?
In Luke 9, at verse 61, Jesus comments that anyone who has put his hand to the plow, yet looked back, isn’t fit for the kingdom of God. What?
It is a caution, a warning from Jesus that if we focus not on what God calls us to be and do, we will accomplish nothing. In fact, our works will not yield what we have imagined or planned or what could be; as the agrarian illustration continues, the rows in the field would be uneven and poorly ploughed, a poor start to a season of planting, growing and harvesting.
Perhaps a metaphor from our own youth is more relevant. When we learn to drive a car, this same idea holds: Watch where you are going, the car will follow. Steer with your mind as you use your eyes and hands.
Being present is critical to safe driving.
It is also a key concept to living as God intends us to live.
In this week’s sermon, Rev. Bruce McAnsh explores how critical keeping our minds in check really is. Too easily, we can become focused on things we shouldn’t – and our physical, emotional and spiritual health can suffer. Have a listen at https://youtu.be/QHUjkCiJtqg
In yoga, we connect to our breath and we use our breath as our guide to stretching and going deeper into the poses. At the beginning of each practice, connecting with the breath that God gives is critical. It is the starting point to physical and mental balance on the mat – and off the mat.
Breathe in and let God fill the present moment.
Breathe on me, breath of God. Fill me with life anew. https://youtu.be/M5keJHZdWYM
‘Til I am wholly thine. Until this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, breath of God, so shall I never die, but live with Thee the perfect life of thine eternity.
Starting now. In this moment. Breathe.
