2020 has been quite a year. We may have hoped that when the clocks went back last Sunday, we could go back to March. Those with computers may have asked if we could reboot 2020, for it to start again, without glitches perhaps. In all of this turmoil, where can we find peace?
Some might have the answer in that they can travel to a particular place. Perhaps a beautiful beach, or atop the rocky outcrop on a munro, clutching on to some high-energy Kendal Mint cake. We used to walk around Hollingsworth Lake – even if it was in Lancashire – for there, looking at the mirrored surface, we might just stop for a while and be at peace. Recently I have attended a course at the Glasgow Ignatian Spirituality Centre, well of course it’s online via Zoom these days – that’s 2020 for you.
I been invited to take the opportunity to still myself, intentionally pause, and be. They are really difficult concepts to understand for someone who leads with their head not their heart normally.
I love the idea that you don’t have to go to a lake, or a beach, or even climb a mountain – but if the desire is there, this still applies. By stilling oneself, I allow my body to catch up with my head, so they can, in tandem as it were, pause. Where can we find peace?
Firstly, I find a place where I can sit comfortably, where my back is supported – I can hear my Mum here but I digress. 😉
I breathe in, and allow the troubles that are weighing upon my shoulders today are released. If not temporarily, I release them for now. I can pick them up if needed, if I want, later.
Then, I close my eyes or focus upon a picture, such as this one.
In my minds eye, I can now imagine that I am sitting looking out over this landscape. My feet squirm as I ensure that they are planted securely. I breathe in again and note the variety of smells that I can discern. The smell of the trees, the grass. I listen out for what the soundscape might be like. How might the wind be heard through those trees, in that valley? Might I be able to hear the river flowing below me?
Can I feel the rays of the sun, now receding behind those clouds, and the distant hills, on my face? Oh how good it is to feel the sunshine.
And then, I am not alone. If Jesus is one I worship on a Sunday, Jesus is also with me every day. Not one separated: me on Earth, Jesus in Heaven, but together, where we may speak face-to-face.
“I wonder what I might say to Jesus?”
What’s so pressing that I need to unload now with Jesus? I try reading out the list of requests, just like my childhood prayers just before going to sleep. But then realise that prayer is more of a conversation, between friends. Sometimes, the silence is so meaningful. Where can we find peace? Here, wherever.
“I wonder what Jesus might like to say to me?”
What have I done wrong? Oh my goodness…but no. These are not words of admonishment but love; not words that demean, but of encouragement.
As I sit there, with the sun teetering on the horizon, I look back over my day.
- What has been life-affirming, positive to my walk? Give thanks.
- What have I learnt about myself today? Some days this has been good, whilst on other days, well… It’s good to be able to unload.
- Do I need to complete some unfinished business? Ah, with …perhaps… yes…
As Jesus gets up,
“How might Jesus leave this particular conversation?” and
“How might I leave it as well?”
I slowly return to the room. It’s only been a few minutes perhaps but I feel a sense of peace. I am walking with God in my faith. This can also speak to us as ‘church’ as well. There are also alternatives for those who wish to find peace in the commute to work, on the train, bus, barge or as you drive the car (with handsfree audio).
And I can still eat some of that Kendal Mint cake if I like!