Meditation Monday

"Be Still and Know that I Am God"

When I was in training to become a spiritual director, we often used this passage from Hebrew scripture to quiet us. (Psalm 46:10)

Now I am not one to quote scripture very often, but I am fond of using a mantra, sacred word, or passage from sacred writings of varied religious traditions to focus my busy thoughts and bring myself to stillness. I have found this one in particular to be very effective. What we learned to do with this passage in our training, however, was very special. I'd like to share it with you on this beautiful Meditation Monday.

Here are the instructions:


Begin by taking a few deep breaths to center yourself. Take as many as you need to settle down, to settle in.

Next, say the phrase in its entirety. "Be still and know that I am God."

Let the words soothe you, drop down into you. Really feel the words and their calming effect upon you.

Repeat the phrase again, this time dropping off the last word. "Be still and know that I am."

Continue on in this way, breathing deeply and evenly, as you drop yet one more word from the phrase, until there is only one word left. Go slowly and savor the experience as you come to a place of stillness within you.


"Be still and know."

"Be still."

"Be."


You can also modify the phrase if you wish, changing the word "God" to any virtue of the Spirit.


Peace: "Be still and know that I am Peace."

Love: "Be still and know that I am Love."

Joy: "Be still and know that I am Joy."


Now, does your heart have anything to say?

Today, may you be peaceful and at ease ...

~~~~~

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