There are moments in life that we are out of breath. Rushing to and fro, it is all too easy to find ourselves in this position. Physical demands on the body, such as a steep flight of stairs or an extended period of exercise or illness, can all make us pant and gasp for air. When our breathing is strained or challenged, we become all too aware of our need to breathe.
Breathing is usually not on the top of our minds. Thankfully, it is something that is automatic and happens without much thought. We breathe. We live. We breathe. This cycle continues mostly undetected. We easily forget how each breath is a gift that is critical to our survival. Each breath leads to the potential for another and another. When we have difficulty taking a breath, however, we become suddenly mindful of how mission-critical to our being the whole process is to us.
Ragged, uneven, and labored breathing brings us a sense of fear and worry. Unable to breathe with ease, we long to return to a time when we don’t think about such things – when we can just go about our day without paying attention to our air intake. Wouldn’t it be nice just to take a deep breath and get on with things?
Yes and no. '
Yes, it is always a good thing to move beyond struggle, especially potentially life-threatening and fearsome trials. To breathe freely and deeply without issue is desirable for all creatures that require oxygen for life.
No, if we move too quickly that we miss the learning and growth that is available in the moments immediately following the crossing of this threshold.
When we take that first unstrained breath, do we pause and honor its significance as a divine gift? Even if it is only momentary and fleeting, do we give thanks for a rich and full breath? Do we receive our breath as coming from the Spirit that gives us life itself? Do we acknowledge like our ancestors in the faith the inextricable link between breath and spirit?
Breathe deeply in this moment. Notice how our body needs and thrives as air enters our lungs and fills our core. Give thanks for this simple and vital gift from God. Celebrate the potential of future that each breath holds. Cherish the breath. Delight in nothing more and nothing less. Breathe.
Silent Prayer:
Find a comfortable place to sit. Set your phone or watch for nineteen minutes. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. As thoughts come to your mind – push them aside. Now is not the time. Trust in God to hold your life without needing to control it with our thoughts or actions. At the end of your time – say a simple “thank you” or “Amen.” Tomorrow, we will build on this spiritual practice by adding more time. Consider the time spent in silent prayer as an Advent gift – an opportunity to enter into God’s shalom/peace.
Today’s Silent Prayer Goal – Nineteen minutes
If the challenge of nineteen minutes of silence seems to be just too much, an alternative might be to continue with seven or eight minutes of daily, prayerful silence for the remainder of this Advent season. The length of time spent in silent prayer is not as important as the practice itself so give yourself the permission to do it for as long as works for you.
Scripture: Genesis 2:7
then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Thank you for reading the nineteenth blog of this Advent series. If it was meaningful to you, please feel free to like it below or share it with your friends. You may also leave a comment. Blessings on the journey as we head through this season of Advent together. In Christ, Walt.