Monday's Blessing
Zechariah 2:13
"Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD."
I read this text via a book I picked up recently Teach Us to Sit Still, by Tim Parks. Its immediate effects were profound. After all, I read the Bible many times, yet, for some reason failed to tap into these simple words of wisdom. "Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord," teaches us the art of sitting still.
This Bible verse doesn't seem to get the accolades other passages exhibit. After all, sitting still seems instill a sense of sloth, the art of being lazy. And, as we all know to be productive in life, one must not be lazy! But, in actuality, how many of us over extend ourselves? Pride ourselves on multi-tasking? Look to achieving more, more, more on the path of self righteousness?
Tim Parks' novel speaks of a personal journey of pain, that despite a multitude of doctors and specialists, no valid prognosis could be offered. What he found to alleviate his symptoms was ancient wisdom from Zechariah. "Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord," enabled Tim to quiet his mind and begin a new venue to better health. He found he could reduce his own pain through quiet reflection via meditation. Meditation not just once a day, but several times a day to quiet his mind and relax his muscles. Why does it take such a
If you are uncomfortable with self meditation, there are many available CD's to purchase such as Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief: Guided Practices for Reclaiming Your Body and Your Life or Meditations2Go Guided Audio Meditations CD Set 1 to get you started. Both of these tools will guide you in the art of introspective meditation. But, just the simple art of quieting your mind can have profound effects on your well-being when practiced regularly if you add it to your daily schedule.
"Be silent, all flesh before the Lord, " is a grim reminder of what stress can do in our lives, and the importance of keeping it at bay. Stress indicators can wreck havoc on our immune systems causing a variety of illness.
Chronic Illnesses from Long Term Stress
• Alzheimer's • Arthritis • Cancer • Diabetes • Heart disease • Obesity • Stroke
Chronic Illnesses from Short Term Stress
• Acne • Alcohol abuse • Allergies • Anger issues • Anxiety • Asthma • Back, shoulder or neck pain • Chest pain • Chronic fatigue • Cold hands or feet • Colds • Conflicts with co-workers or employers • Constipation • Depression, moodiness • Diarrhea • Domestic or workplace violence • Drug abuse • Feeling out of control • Flu • Gas • Hair loss • Headaches • Heartburn • High blood pressure • Increased arguments • Infections • Insomnia and sleep disturbances • Irregular heartbeat, palpitations • Irritability, frustration • Irritable bowel • Muscular tension/cramps • Memory problems • Nervousness • Pain exacerbation (increase in existing pain) • Phobias • Poor concentration • Reproductive problems • Road rage • Shortness of breath • Skin problems (hives, eczema, psoriasis. itching) • Sweaty palms • Tics and twitches • Trouble thinking clearly • Thought disorders • Upset or acid stomach • Weight gain or loss •
Simply stated, some of us do too much, especially those Type A personalities. Each day we are inundated with new material and expectations. Yet, when was the last time you watched the sunset? Put down your "to do list" and sat outside to hear the rain? Have you opted for the doggie door instead of getting out and taking your pet for a walk? What will it take for you to slow down? Your body retaliating with one of the above issues? Stop the cycle now! Each time you feel that stress beginning, stop what you're doing and think, "Be silent, oh flesh, before the Lord." Don't analyze it, don't try to relax yourself, just draw attention to it. Your body will do the rest.
Daily Guidance
1. Find ways to relax and enjoy nature.
2. Meditate 2-3 times a day for at least 10-15 minutes. Begin by getting your breathing to six slow counts inhaling and six slow counts exhaling. Then focus on your body. Be aware of where your pains and anxieties are. Just take note. Rest and relax, your body will do the rest. Should thoughts come in, "catch and release."
3. Realize if you have pain or illness, it is your body's way of letting you know, enough is enough. Change your habits and your ways. Gathering a sense of peace will allow you to accomplish more on less time.
4. Find ways to give up your multi-tasking mode. Remember, "No, I don't have to do that!" and pin those words somewhere where they can be noticed by you each day.
5. Reduce, reduce, reduce your expectations of yourself and live more in peace and tranquility.
Zechariah 2:13
"Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD."
I read this text via a book I picked up recently Teach Us to Sit Still, by Tim Parks. Its immediate effects were profound. After all, I read the Bible many times, yet, for some reason failed to tap into these simple words of wisdom. "Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord," teaches us the art of sitting still.
This Bible verse doesn't seem to get the accolades other passages exhibit. After all, sitting still seems instill a sense of sloth, the art of being lazy. And, as we all know to be productive in life, one must not be lazy! But, in actuality, how many of us over extend ourselves? Pride ourselves on multi-tasking? Look to achieving more, more, more on the path of self righteousness?
Tim Parks' novel speaks of a personal journey of pain, that despite a multitude of doctors and specialists, no valid prognosis could be offered. What he found to alleviate his symptoms was ancient wisdom from Zechariah. "Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord," enabled Tim to quiet his mind and begin a new venue to better health. He found he could reduce his own pain through quiet reflection via meditation. Meditation not just once a day, but several times a day to quiet his mind and relax his muscles. Why does it take such a
If you are uncomfortable with self meditation, there are many available CD's to purchase such as Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief: Guided Practices for Reclaiming Your Body and Your Life or Meditations2Go Guided Audio Meditations CD Set 1 to get you started. Both of these tools will guide you in the art of introspective meditation. But, just the simple art of quieting your mind can have profound effects on your well-being when practiced regularly if you add it to your daily schedule.
"Be silent, all flesh before the Lord, " is a grim reminder of what stress can do in our lives, and the importance of keeping it at bay. Stress indicators can wreck havoc on our immune systems causing a variety of illness.
Chronic Illnesses from Long Term Stress
• Alzheimer's • Arthritis • Cancer • Diabetes • Heart disease • Obesity • Stroke
Chronic Illnesses from Short Term Stress
• Acne • Alcohol abuse • Allergies • Anger issues • Anxiety • Asthma • Back, shoulder or neck pain • Chest pain • Chronic fatigue • Cold hands or feet • Colds • Conflicts with co-workers or employers • Constipation • Depression, moodiness • Diarrhea • Domestic or workplace violence • Drug abuse • Feeling out of control • Flu • Gas • Hair loss • Headaches • Heartburn • High blood pressure • Increased arguments • Infections • Insomnia and sleep disturbances • Irregular heartbeat, palpitations • Irritability, frustration • Irritable bowel • Muscular tension/cramps • Memory problems • Nervousness • Pain exacerbation (increase in existing pain) • Phobias • Poor concentration • Reproductive problems • Road rage • Shortness of breath • Skin problems (hives, eczema, psoriasis. itching) • Sweaty palms • Tics and twitches • Trouble thinking clearly • Thought disorders • Upset or acid stomach • Weight gain or loss •
Simply stated, some of us do too much, especially those Type A personalities. Each day we are inundated with new material and expectations. Yet, when was the last time you watched the sunset? Put down your "to do list" and sat outside to hear the rain? Have you opted for the doggie door instead of getting out and taking your pet for a walk? What will it take for you to slow down? Your body retaliating with one of the above issues? Stop the cycle now! Each time you feel that stress beginning, stop what you're doing and think, "Be silent, oh flesh, before the Lord." Don't analyze it, don't try to relax yourself, just draw attention to it. Your body will do the rest.
Daily Guidance
1. Find ways to relax and enjoy nature.
2. Meditate 2-3 times a day for at least 10-15 minutes. Begin by getting your breathing to six slow counts inhaling and six slow counts exhaling. Then focus on your body. Be aware of where your pains and anxieties are. Just take note. Rest and relax, your body will do the rest. Should thoughts come in, "catch and release."
3. Realize if you have pain or illness, it is your body's way of letting you know, enough is enough. Change your habits and your ways. Gathering a sense of peace will allow you to accomplish more on less time.
4. Find ways to give up your multi-tasking mode. Remember, "No, I don't have to do that!" and pin those words somewhere where they can be noticed by you each day.
5. Reduce, reduce, reduce your expectations of yourself and live more in peace and tranquility.
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