Being Is Counter To My Personality Of Doing

 

“Being is counter to my personality of doing.”

I hear people say this is why they cannot sustain or even start a silent prayer or meditation practice. 

Let’s stop and think about this for a minute. 

Do you like to just sit with your child, a friend, a significant other or your spouse?

Do you like to listen to music?

Do you like to take a walk?

Do you like to watch a sunset or the waves go in and out at the beach?

These activities all involve just being. 

Being gives you a chance to slow down. 

When you slow down you get to reset, recharge and refresh.

Being gives you a chance to take a break from doing.

In fact, you probably will be better at your doing because of your being. 

I like to start my day with a Centering Prayer sit. 

My actions seem to spring from my being. 

I have also found when I am stuck, even a short silent sit in the middle of the day seems to spring future actions and solutions. 

(I have also discovered that sometimes no action and silence is the best action.)

Have you ever regretted when you say something and later wish you could take it back? 

I have found that my life works better with a balance of both being and doing. 

Take baby steps if you need to. 

I think you will discover that even a few minutes of silence each day will prove beneficial. 

Let me know how it goes or if you need help.

Go Further:

Be Still and Listen: Experience the Presence of God in Your Life by Amos Smith

An Ocean of Light: Contemplation, Transformation, and Liberation by Martin Laird

The Heart of Centering Prayer: Nondual Christianity in Theory and Practice  by Cynthia Bourgeault

Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God  by James Finley

Open Mind, Open Heart 20th Anniversary Edition  by Thomas Keating

 

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