Finding Clarity

Some mornings, it's harder than others to focus and experience clarity of mind.  Busy dreams, a fitful night and morning distractions, all can make it more difficult to carve out a few moments of quiet time for prayer and meditation. 

My biggest distraction is my little dog, Shamus.  I find that I need to wake up well before he does, or he barks at me until I fulfill all his morning needs.  I suppose this is an indication of a poorly trained dog, but I'm sure most can relate to having a needy child, dog, cat, or other dependent creature to care for, one whose needs have to be met before we can do anything for ourselves.

Shamus, ready for his morning walk

Finding time to be quiet can be challenging, but the rewards are great.  It is a much needed practice in our busy, technologically driven, social media obsessed world that brings us back to the ancient rhythms that speak to our spirits.  It can help us to achieve clarity of mind and purpose in our daily lives. 

So the quest to find clarity begins with:

·       Waking early, which is easier said than done some days, but certainly a goal worth attaining in order to avoid distractions

·       Finding a quiet place-a corner all your own, with inspirational books, journals, essential oils, candles, flowers…whatever brings you peace

·       Stretching and breathing-I recommend yoga to clear morning debris, but anything helps

·       Emptying the trash: releasing the mental baggage that accumulates overnight as well as the busy thoughts that rush in with the morning’s return to conscious thought.  A good way to do this is through journaling, writing down worries, concerns, prayer needs, to do items, etc, so they are not cluttering the mind

·       Giving thanks, which puts us in receiving mode-thankful for what is, whatever the circumstances and open to receiving the day’s gifts

·       Becoming still-this can be the hardest part, but it helps to focus on breathing and to have a word or phrase to focus on, such a “peace” or “love”, or a scripture or phrase that has special meaning

·       Journaling or recording whatever thoughts or inspiration come to you during this time, as this is your inner guidance…when we listen, God speaks

·       Praying for others-once we have clarified our mind and soul, we are in a good place to pray effectively for others (it’s like the “put your own oxygen mask on first” instruction the airlines give-we can’t help anyone else if we’re in a bad place)

Then, take action on the insight and wisdom gained, trusting

 in the inner guidance of God's spirit!