Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:25-34
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to what you’re paying attention to right now.
Focusing on the here and now helps you tune into God – wherever you might find God in the present moment.
It’s hard to tune into God when you’re preoccupied with worries about the future. When Jesus taught his followers to let go of their anxiety, he pointed out concrete examples in the world they could see all around them. The flowers in the field and the birds flying overhead aren’t troubled by worry. When you practice mindfulness, you become more like birds and flowers – present and attuned to God’s provision.
You might start a mindfulness practice by paying attention to the natural world you see around you. If your mind starts to wander into the future, gently bring it back to the present moment.
You can practice mindfulness by being fully present to whatever you experience in the moment, whether it’s birds flying overhead or the work project in front of you.
In the introduction to “The Devout Life,” St. Francis de Sales describes the spiritual discipline this way: “If you have gone astray, quietly bring your soul back to the presence of God.”
Practice mindfulness:
· Take a moment to still your body and mind. If thoughts about the future trouble you, give yourself permission to put those issues on hold.
· Pay attention to what you’re paying attention to right now.
· Let go of the need to judge it – just give the present moment your full attention.
· Thank God for sharing this moment with you.
Prayer: God, sustain me in this present moment as you sustain all of your creation.
Further Exploration: Read about what a mindful workplace looks like.
Author: Theology of Work Project
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Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.
