Tuning in or tuning out
In this time of uncertainty, we can all feel
the charge in the air, an uneasiness or even anxiousness. And we all have ways
of coping with this unease. Sometimes we push it aside or perhaps go towards
numbing through busyness. Some become overwhelmed and some cling to a form of
faith or still others check out from the world. None are wrong but what if we
decided to tune in. To tune into our body’s signals’ and at the same time
tune out the noise of the world. What if we asked the holy one who
dwells inside, what is going on within? Are you feeling anxious? Tune in and
see is your body craving some nurturing? When you turn on the news
are you holding your breath? When the thought of home schooling arises, are
your fists or teeth clenching? The Seattle school of Theology and Psychology
talks about Attunement and says…
“it is all too easy to tune out our bodies, to
ignore how they communicate our need for nurture. What are the practices that
help us listen to our bodies? What are the rhythms and rituals that connect us
to those deep, vulnerable parts of our bodies and souls that are crying out for
care?” ( The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology)
We are body, soul and spirit and often in the
church we focus much on soul and spirit but place the body aside. Yes, this
flesh will pass away but the spirit of the living God is housed in those who
know him. This house needs care and attention. This temple is what we must work
with, in the here and now. How can we cultivate a deeper relationship with the
Lord when our bodies are filled with unacknowledged tension and fear? This gift
of flesh can be a gateway to a deeper walk when we learn to tune in to it.
We are not placing our bodies on a pedestal
rather giving it honor by listening to it. Our bodies/flesh can be used as a
thermometer for what is really going on in our hearts, which then gives us a
place to enter into prayer. If our minds and bodies are filled with
unidentified emotions, it can be difficult to “be still and know that he is
God”.
This time away from familiar schedules and
rhythms can make us feel out of sync. Conversely it can also be a time for
setting a new rhythm. The sabbath has been something we have begun to make a
practice of in our home lately. We have been setting a time to light candles
and celebrate the Jewish practice of Shabbat, and as we have done this for a
few months now, we can see the crazies of the week visibly leave our
bodies. Our breath deepens and our muscles begin to release the tension
they held. Our voices soften and we are better able to commune.
.
This week try to tune into your body, are your
shoulders elevated, breath shallow, speech too fast?
As you tune in, tune out the lie that God is
not in control, acknowledge what your body is saying. Try a breath
prayer. Pause. Take a few minutes to just breathe. Practice meditating on a
verse. Go for a run and pray for your neighbors. Or perhaps just dig in the
garden, have a tickle fight with a loved one, visually take in the beauty of
spring. Take notice how your body responds to these sacred moments, can you
sense the tension leaving, the breath deepening. Tune in for a few more moments
and try to sense what was behind the tension. Are you feeling a sense of
sadness? Disappointment? There is much to feel in these times, acknowledge the
emotions. As you identify with these things turn them into more focused prayers
for yourselves and others. Tune into the Lord's heartbeat and breathe, allowing
yourself to have greater union with soul, spirit and body.
