I teach mindfulness and stress management to my students. It seems to be more than just an academic enterprise by a teacher of religion. It is needed. The problem today is that we have multiple distractions. Gone are the days when a simple story was considered good entertainment. Even moving image fails to connect for long. Why? Because we are bombarded with stimuli. Our young people expect it not only to have “bells and whistle,” but to be interactive as well. So taking a few moments to stop and reflect is a lost art.
This said, however, we also have the burdens of modern society as well as its distractions. Bills, workload, and upcoming appointments can fill our heads as well. Here again a few moments of “down time” is vital.
And how do we put all this to the wayside? By making a conscious effort to focus on the wholesome. Nature, a quiet piece of music, and the Word are all starting places. Ultimately Paul guides us in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Focusing on the good. Taking time for a breathe. Putting cares aside. Herein begins healing.
Padre
Padre's Ramblings 