JUST BE

How difficult it is to enter into stillness and silence.  To stay rooted in one space, in one moment while all around life ebbs and flows.  Remaining quiet and calm in what seems to be a swirling tornado of activity.  The body cries out for attention.  Muscles are tight and tense.  Slowly with patient, concerted effort they begin to relax.   Breathe.  Nerves begin to stir and suddenly the need to itch is overwhelming.  Other body complaints step into the spotlight:  I’m hungry, I’m tired, I’m hot, it’s noisy, and I’m uncomfortable…”  Breathe, slow down, let go.

Just be.

Emotions reach out to distract.  Anxiety, anger, fear, discouragement, roll in like dark storm clouds on a summer afternoon blocking out the sun.  They flood consciousness and then move slowly away when attention is refocused.  Be still.  The storm is quieted.

Just be.

Negative thoughts churn in a tempting uproar:  “This is a waste of time” “There is too much to do today for this” “You need to get busy”  “You are so lazy” “You should be…You can’t…You aren’t…You don’t…You have to”.  Each thought looks for a crack to slip through and flare-up into shame.  Be still, breathe, recognize the pull of the energy and then let it go.  Without attention there is no place for thought to cling. 

Just be.