Sunday Musings – September 22, 2019
It is another quiet Sunday here. I am, of course, acutely aware that in many places in the world it is not quiet. I am also aware that often the noisiest place is inside what passes some days for my brain. Often it seems my human brains is filled with the chatter of:
I am quite sure that the potential list of subjects about which I endlessly chatter and over which I have no control could go on for pages and pages. Many times a day I repeat the serenity prayer:
Serenity Prayer
- Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.
Regardless of one’s religious beliefs or lack of religious beliefs the first part of this prayers is a poignant reminder that there is not much over which we have control. We certainly cannot change the past and, truth be told, would not, if we could. We know if we changed one action or event of the past all of our subsequent history would change. We also know that no matter what happens or comes our way we have all that we need. We are never alone. We have friends and colleagues who we can call upon for assistance or advice. There is also, always “you tube” which has become the perfect home and office tool. There is not likely to be any issues or situation which someone else has not previously encountered.
I was impressed when listening to a new report of some residents of Puerto Rico who, tired of waiting for government assistance, have banded together and are helping each other rebuild. They could continue to dwell on the fact that it is not fair that they have received so little assistance, but repeated application for help has not resulted in it arriving for most people who experienced such devastating loss following hurricane Dorian.
Meditation or whatever system one uses, is a process of allowing the chatter to subside; to trust that it is safe to create some internal quiet space. Ironically or paradoxically it is within that quiet space that one will see the next step to take. The chatter focuses on people, places and things over which one has no control. The quiet allows that wise, inner voice to focus on what we do have control over; on the next healing step.
As is often the case, the answer seems quite simple and, yet, it often seems extremely difficult to trust the quiet. It is also difficult to interrupt the habit of the chatter. One may have to be patient and not set time limits on when the chatter “should” stop. It will stop when it stops. If one keeps returning to the breath, as with all else, there will arrive that magical moment when one suddenly realizes the chatter has stopped.
Written September 22, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
It is another quiet Sunday here. I am, of course, acutely aware that in many places in the world it is not quiet. I am also aware that often the noisiest place is inside what passes some days for my brain. Often it seems my human brains is filled with the chatter of:
- If only I had or I should have.
- If only he or she had acted in what I know is the “right” or kinder or healthy way.
- What if such and such happens?
- What if he if she does not love me best?
- What if I cannot solve this problem?
- What if my body demands rest when I have a busy schedule?
- What if the right person does not win the election?
I am quite sure that the potential list of subjects about which I endlessly chatter and over which I have no control could go on for pages and pages. Many times a day I repeat the serenity prayer:
Serenity Prayer
- Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.
Regardless of one’s religious beliefs or lack of religious beliefs the first part of this prayers is a poignant reminder that there is not much over which we have control. We certainly cannot change the past and, truth be told, would not, if we could. We know if we changed one action or event of the past all of our subsequent history would change. We also know that no matter what happens or comes our way we have all that we need. We are never alone. We have friends and colleagues who we can call upon for assistance or advice. There is also, always “you tube” which has become the perfect home and office tool. There is not likely to be any issues or situation which someone else has not previously encountered.
I was impressed when listening to a new report of some residents of Puerto Rico who, tired of waiting for government assistance, have banded together and are helping each other rebuild. They could continue to dwell on the fact that it is not fair that they have received so little assistance, but repeated application for help has not resulted in it arriving for most people who experienced such devastating loss following hurricane Dorian.
Meditation or whatever system one uses, is a process of allowing the chatter to subside; to trust that it is safe to create some internal quiet space. Ironically or paradoxically it is within that quiet space that one will see the next step to take. The chatter focuses on people, places and things over which one has no control. The quiet allows that wise, inner voice to focus on what we do have control over; on the next healing step.
As is often the case, the answer seems quite simple and, yet, it often seems extremely difficult to trust the quiet. It is also difficult to interrupt the habit of the chatter. One may have to be patient and not set time limits on when the chatter “should” stop. It will stop when it stops. If one keeps returning to the breath, as with all else, there will arrive that magical moment when one suddenly realizes the chatter has stopped.
Written September 22, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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