"Be still, and know that I am God." —Psalm 46:10a
I just started reading The Journals of Father Alexander Schmemann, 1973-1983. They are transcribed just as he wrote them prior to his passing over 40 years ago in 1983 at the age of 63. Honest thoughts from a respected priest, professor, and preacher. His son, Serge, says in the foreword that it is unclear if Fr. Alexander intended them for publication. If so, perhaps not in the exact wording as written in his journals. So far, I have found it an interesting read.
The following quote from March 1973 brings to mind the thought of living simply in this wonderful world God has created:
The essential error of the modern man is to identify life with activism, with thought, etc., hence an almost complete inability simply to "live," i.e., to feel, to appreciate, to live life as a continuous gift. To walk to the train station in a light that feels like spring, in the rain, to be able to see, to sense, to be conscious of a morning ray of sun on the wall — all of these are the reality of life.
I haven't heard the term "activism" in this sense before, but it sounds like Fr. Alexander was talking about getting trapped in the busyness of life and the distractions that take us away from being in the presence of God. Forgetting to simply "live" and appreciate the beauty and simple things in life. We tend to get wrapped up in the doing of our busy lives.
Yes, there is much in this life that does need to be accomplished—in whatever stage of life you find yourself. However, as time passes, you don't want to miss out on the little things in life...the gentle breeze as it blows your hair on your way to the mailbox, the beauty of the changing colors of the autumn leaves, the sounds of the birds as they sing in the morning light...to name a few things that speak of God's glorious creation.
As I mentioned in my last article, we are in Scotland. An example of slowing down may be the act of simply hanging laundry outside on a line to dry. Over here in the United Kingdom many people hang their laundry to dry inside or outside. In fact, many homes do not have a tumble dryer! I hung some of the laundry outside to dry for my daughter. You know what? I found it so relaxing—it became a time of mindfulness, stillness, and prayer! Yes, I was doing something but I only touched the clothespins and laundry as I attached them to the clothesline. The sun shined down, the birds sang, and the wind fluttered the clothing as it hung from the line. Perhaps in this modern age we have forgotten the simplicity that can be found in daily tasks such as these?
Activities that I enjoy where I feel like I have slowed down, can breathe, refocus, and discover stillness with God are knitting, going for a run or walk outside unplugged, or just sitting a few moments looking at the beauty of God's world in nature. Other activities that help simplify and still one's thoughts and still the busyness can be in gardening, baking, woodworking, fishing, or general chores around the house. I'm sure you can think of an activity you enjoy that helps calm your mind and helps you reconnect with God. After all, He wants us to be in relationship with Him and what better way than to find something that fosters your time with Him.
I pray that you are encouraged to stop, take a breath, unplug, slow down and reorient your thoughts to a simplified life. A life where stillness offers you times and places to be mindful of God. May it bring you closer to God. He loves you.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:22-23
In His Love,
Paisia (Dana)
Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.
