by Rev. Danielle Rogers
During the last two months I have entered into the practice of mindful meditation. Everyday I sit on my mat and breathe deeply from my diaphragm filling my lungs with air before slowly exhaling. After a few minutes I can feel my body responding to the rhythmic inhalations and exhalations of my breath, all to the measure of four counts. It's deeply healing not only for the mind but for the body.
I live with two very painful chronic neurological pain conditions that affect my central nervous system. These conditions are made worse with stress and through much research I found a multitude of studies on the benefits of mindfulness and meditation.
I live in a world bombarded with a myriad of information. Constant over stimulation from social media, work, community service, and family obligations have left little time to focus on my spirit, or on my breath. Slowing the mind creates a chain reaction that helps me focus on my pain in a neutral way, without adding negative connotations of my own worth.
As we enter into Holy week and prepare for Jesus' betrayal Jesus' betrayal by his disciple, his crucifixion and resurrection, I will include the act of mindfulness in my daily prayers. I will allow the spirit to lead me to scriptures that will help me recognize the ultimate gift Jesus gave to the world. I will follow his journey each day and see him live this human act of love. The amount of grace he gave all of us through his ministry and his life is beyond humbling.
To sit and be alone with your own thoughts in prayer is a holy act. It can be done everywhere and this week I will engage in the present moment only. As I take a breath and breathe in the lessons from the scriptures of the Gospels, I will be mindful to involve each day of this week with true curiosity and wonder. From the triumphant entry on Palm Sunday, to the clearing of the temple on Tuesday, leading to Jesus going to the Mount of Olives, to wondering what Jesus may have done on that Wednesday perhaps anticipating Passover, to Jesus' humble act of foot washing, followed by his arrest sealed by Judas' kiss, his trail, leading to his death through crucifixion on Good Friday, his preparation for burial, and finally his rebirth and resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Each day I will allow myself to focus on each event, and only that event. I will try to walk that journey with Christ.
I pray you all have time this week for mindfulness in this season, to allow your spirit time to progress away from the busyness of our lives. Take a moment and feel yourself engulfed in the mystery of spirit and as you do, breathe deeply.
— Rev. Danielle Rogers serves as Pilgrim’s Christian Education Director