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Who among us can follow this commandment? There has never been a time when there has been a greater distance between the needs of our souls and the culture we live in, the needs of our souls eternal, the culture obsessed with power, immediate gratification, the apparent evil of sacrifice. The most common diagnosis therapists give is anxiety disorder. A disorder wherein the level of stress and anxiety is not warranted by the situation. The following exercise is adapted from Richard Foster’s book, Celebration of Discipline. Tonight we’re going to try what the contemplatives of the Middle Ages called “recollection.” It is a time to become still, to enter into the recreating silence, to allow the fragmentation of our minds to become centered. One centering down exercises begins by concentrating on breathing. Sit however you are comfortable, and slowly become conscious of your breathing. This will help you to get in touch with your body, and indicate to you the level of tension within. (Everyone close your eyes.) Inhale deeply, slowly tilting your head back as far as it will go. Then exhale, allowing your head slowly to come forward until your chin nearly rests on your chest. Now we’re going to put words and prayers to this movement: Lord, I exhale my anxiety over (money, difficult relationship, loss). I inhale the peace of Christ. (wait about a minute in between each prayer.) Lord, I exhale my fear of loneliness. I inhale the sweet compassion of Christ. Lord, I exhale the darkness in my own spirit. I inhale the light and life of Christ. Lord, I exhale the spiritual apathy of my own soul. I inhale the passion of Christ. Lord, I exhale my disappointment with myself/or with God. I inhale the hope of Christ. Lord, I exhale my selfishness. I inhale Christ’s attitude of service. Lord, I exhale my self doubt. I inhale the identity of Christ. Lord, I exhale my pride and ambition. I inhale the humility of Christ. Lord, I exhale my sadness and disappointment, I inhale the promise of Christ. Silence. Spend a few moments in complete silence. Do not ask God for anything. Allow the Lord to commune with your spirit, to love you. If impressions or directions come, fine. If not, fine. Be attentive to the inward living Christ. If your attention wanders to something you forgot to do today, to the sirens, the noises of the city, “exhale” the matter into the arms of the Master and draw in his divine breath of peace. Then listen once again.
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