The yellow light lit up on my dashboard this morning. The car was almost out of gas. I hadn't even noticed it was low.
Sometimes it's hard to notice when our spirits are running low, too. We wait until the warning lights start coming on: headaches, flashes of temper, fatigue.
My friend, the Rev. Marya Decarlen, taught me a simple practice for renewing the spirit.
Breathe in. Imagine yourself filling with the presence of God.
Breathe out. Imagine love flowing through you out into the world.
That's it. Just breathe in God, breathe out love, and repeat. It only takes a moment, and it's amazing what a difference that few seconds of breath and prayer can make.
I usually sit at the gas pump planning worrying or planning or staring off into space. I'd like to try spending that time refueling my spirit instead.
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ReplyDeleteOops! I'll try again.
ReplyDeleteThea's post reminds me of a conversation I had with Mary M. last fall. I was looking for a convenient time and place to pray. Mary recommended taking a few minutes in the car to pray in the parking lot at work. I have found this small discipline to be a centering way to start the day.
Gas pump prayers reminds me also that no prayer is too silly or unreasonable. We pray in a group for the sick- why not pray for the health of the financial market? I do pray-thank you God, for the lower gas prices.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I like your comments on refueling-so pertinent in our busy world of today.