It's been quite a challenge this week to create a silent mind. My children are out of school now and it seems there is always something going on, an appointment, an errand, a sibling rivalry that must be attended to before I can accomplish the things I would like to do with this week's assignment.
I have spent two separate time periods, early in the morning (5am) in which I was able to find some time in the stillness of the house to prepare my mind for this exercise. As I cleared my head of the random chatter that came to the surface involuntarily, I started to design an image in my mind of the four aspects of integral health. My thoughts would take me to various areas of stress in my present circumstances. It was difficult to keep my mind from overflowing with the bombardment of issues...the divorce, the kids' summer plans, the bills, the grocery list, etc. The exercise itself somewhat created an open window to invite the white rapids of ramblings that came crashing through my mind. When I tried to read the sentences from the book, I got distracted, lost focus and my mind would wander again.
I chose to take some time out and pray, read some scripture to help me quiet the worrier in my head and focus on my breathing, depend on God to guide my thoughts and create a stillness within me.
This exercise is challenging, but I'm certain it will be better the next time.
Melissa Rasberry
