Weekly focus: Prayer

Hey there.
Abraham Lincoln once said, "I've been driven to my knees many times before by the overwhelming feeling I had nowhere else to go."
I think that Abe Lincoln had a lot more on his plate, so to speak, than I do. Still, I find myself drawn to prayer in a similar fashion. It is a longing, a desire, like I, my soul, spirit, emotions, and physical body, need it for nourishment as much as my body needs water and food. I don't feel complete without it, lately. Probably Old Abe needed it to lighten his "plate", take some of the weight off. I need it to fill my plate so I can take it in. And now, this is probably going to sound really odd... but I'm not just drawn to a couple of quick prayers shot up as I quickly buzz throughout my day. Quite to the contrary...

One time, about 7 or 8 years ago, I had the great privilege of going to an Islamic mosque (I'm quite certain it was called a mosque.) It was meant to be an educational experience. Yes, the girls had to cover our faces. And no, we were not allowed to enter the area where only men are allowed. We watched from an "observation deck" up above. The man in charge spent a great deal of his time telling the men and boys why Islam was superior, as a faith and religion, to Christianity. One of his argueing points was this; "Muslims pray prostrate on the floor, forehead touching, arms outstretched, resting on our ankles, the way the Bible teaches us to pray," he said. As a prayer posture it stuck with me.

So now, as I contemplate and activate prayer and the surge of attraction I have to it, I find myself, at least once a day, in child's position (the yoga term for it) on the floor, for extended periods of time. It is truly amazing how calm, grounded, and centered I feel when I come out of this position. Of course, I can't walk for a few minutes, but it's worth it. So, this is my focus this week. It chose me.

I thought for a few days before writing this post. I thought, this may sound over-the-top, bizarre, not like something a real person would do. Here's the answer I received.
I am me. I am real. This is who I am. If I'm going to truly share my experience with my friends and family, why would I share a fake one? Besides, the sheer joy and profound peace I have found through prayer these past few days is so worth sharing. And so, as I write, I pray for anyone who is reading to have a moment of complete and peaceful self-acceptance.
Amen... So be it.

How do I rate this weeks focus? Prayer

Difficulty Level: Medium High... It's hard to calm down sometimes. Difficult to always know how or for what to pray

Fun Level: Prayer? Fun? Hmm... It makes life more enjoyable!

Spiritual Growth?: Who cares! It feels great!

Be calm: New weekly focus

Hey there! Ok, so I've decided to challenge myself, focus myself I should say, each week by paying close attention to a certain dynamic of life. For example, patience, honesty, family relationships, etc... Not a totally original idea, I know, but I feel I want the intentionality and discipline in my life. This week... be calm.

I knew it was right because soon after it rose to my consciousness, I looked at my ever-insightful Yogi tea tag. It said, "To remain calm is the highest achievement of human existence." Aha! Off I go on my journey to be calm.

5 minutes later, I pile in to my car ready to leave for Mattawamkeag for 3 days. No keys. I go back inside, no keys on my key rack. I've cleaned the house this morning and haven't seen them around. Hmmm, I think to myself, looking up at the spacious ceiling of my bright yellow kitchen. I raise my finger to a tricky God/Source of All, give a wink and say, "Bring it on" as I feel my anxiety rise ever-so-slightly.

I take a deep breath, exhale slowly and let the anxiety pass. Where else do I ever put my keys? Yes, I knowingly nod and smile. The hidden pouch of my bag, easy access so they don't get lost in the shuffle of who-knows-what that I carry around each day. (Never knowing what I'll want, I take it all.) I CALMLY stroll, strolling seems calmer than walking :), to my car, grab my bag, and yes, there they are. One for me, tricky, tricky Challenger.

This weekend, I go to my home, Beals Island, to stay with my parents. Always great to be there. Always over-stimulating. Easy to get caught up... "Bring it on... but not too much."

How do I rate this weeks focus? Be calm
Difficulty Level: High
Fun Level: Low
Spiritual Growth?: Most certainly

Have a great week! And look for some blessings... they'll be there. ~ Trish

Great question-- What am I doing?!?

Currently, I'm sitting in a cushy chair at 12:41 am in Lexington, Massachusetts contemplating three things...
1) Do I really want to put myself out there with a blog seeing as there is the risk of experiencing both dis-interest and rejection from readers?
2) Should I have another little cup of Ooey, Gooey, Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream?
3) What should my first blog say?

Now, a fourth... since I seem to have answered the first three (yes, no, and here it is.)

4) How is it even remotely possible that I am up this late and still functioning?
A partial answer...
I am so very excited about the work of my new job, it is on my heart and mind steadily. (For those of you who don't know, I'm now a formal youth minister... as if teaching isn't youth ministry!) I have a perfect job for me, for now! My task is to uplift youth while inspiring, enlivening, and strengthening people. I pray. I read. I visit with people. I listen and talk over meals, the telephone, and e-mail. We laugh. I experience joy, hope, love, and peace and strive to be JUST THAT, no more, no less, in the world. Sometimes, I get so excited and hopeful, I even get up the nerve to do something I would never have done before... like set up a blog at 12:30 am.

The clock just turned to 12:57. If I go now, I'll be asleep by 1 am. That includes brushing my teeth and going from the living room to the bedroom. I fall asleep SUPER-FAST. I think it is my super-hero ability.

But the freezer (ice cream) is between me and the bed... Good Night!

PS... What are You doing?!? Let me know by "commenting" if you want.