Prioritizing Mindfulness in Stressful Times
Is It A Time of Revival?
One of my favorite authors/podcasters, Annie F Downs, is currently under mandated quarantine. On social media a few days ago someone asked if she thought the COVID-19 pandemic was a sign of the ends times. Her response was full of grace and hope. She basically said, "Nope, but I'm pretty certain it's a time of revival."
After a quick Google search: revival means an improvement in the condition or strength of something. Synonyms include: Improving. Betterment. Rallying. Strengthening. Growth.
Those don’t seem like the words anyone is using right now. There are very real problems arising that keep me up at night thinking about how devastating the effects this will have on our small community and around our globe. Revival doesn’t seem to be the right word. AND YET, all around us, we’re being reminded that sometimes beautiful, life-giving growth happens in the darkest & hardest of situations. From Italians singing from their balconies to CEOs forgoing their salary for employees’ sake to people owning their social responsibility and canceling events they’ve worked hard towards—on every level we’re seeing goodness breaking forth in the pandemic.
Chills run down my arms and I realize this does feel like a time of revival, of strengthening, of rallying.
So then, it begs the question, “What does this mean on a personal level?”
What are healthy ways for you and I to embrace this time at home and to revive ourselves? How can we exchange thoughts of anxiety induced panic to cautious, yet peaceful awareness? What rhythms do we intentionally add to our days so we come out of the other side of this as a fuller version of ourselves—full so that when needed, we are ready to pour out for those in need. In my opinion, the worst thing we can do is get to the end of all of this chaos and say, “Well I watched The Office all the way through for the 3rd time.”
What we fill our minds with is connected to our souls, bodies, and hearts. And in these uncertain times, it’s important for all of us to work on our mindfulness. And I bet you would say so too. In fact, one of the top areas clients tell me they want to strengthen is their spiritual lives. Yet it is typically followed with the excuse “but I’m too busy.”
Chances are you’re not too busy right now. So, friend, what calming & centering practices can you add to your day?
Maybe you find yourself feeling centered through yoga or your favorite meditation app. Maybe you follow a religious leader who is posting daily devotions or liturgy. Maybe you want to start journaling or practice a minute of silence each day. Or take a contemplative walk in nature or gardening. Maybe creating or baking is an act of surrender to you.
And maybe you’ve made it this far and think that working on ourselves at such a time as this is selfish. I would counter and say, spiritual practices have many benefits on our mental & emotional wellbeing. When our whole self is strengthened & healthy, we can offer more, be more, and do more for others…at such as time as this.
Today’s Mindfulness Rhythm
So today, I'm sharing a reflection technique that I practice daily! The Daily Examen, a prayer attributed to St. Ignatius, has been used for centuries. It is basically a mindfulness tool that uses prayer and meditation to invite the Divine into your day to day. Follow along with the prayer prompts to reflect on the days events and ask for discernment.
Where to begin?
When including this meditation in your own rhythms and reflections, try working through the 5 steps every day at a specific time--maybe lunch or at night? I know some of my clients who have a similar technique they use on their drive home from work. There are many ways to work this into your schedule, though at first, I would suggest a quiet space.
I use the words "Divine" and "God" in an attempt to welcome all beliefs to this practice, while also keeping the integrity of St. Ignatius's prayer. Regardless of your beliefs, I hope you find this practice to be beneficial as you reflect on your days and invite what is coming into your life.
One last note, there are many resources & apps that expound upon the Daily Examen. If this proves to be beneficial, please check those out! My infographic above is based off this website.
