Meditation on Attuning to the Deep Rhythms of Kindness, Care, and Peace

Remember the song “Don’t Worry BE Happy”?  Did you know Jesus says much the same thing?  While I’ve been crazy for Christ my whole life, I feel like in many ways I’ve only recently come to “get” Him.  For instance, He implores us to “not worry about” our lives, because “can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?”  The implication is worries literally subtract from our lives.  Naturally we should be wise, planning for the future and learning from the past.  YET, even when it comes to necessities like food, drink, and clothes, as Jesus points out we need only observe the joy of the birds and glory of the lilies to realize human striving and stressing, as society compels us to do, are simply silly.  Instead, we’re invited to follow the example of nature and attune ourselves to the deeper rhythms of kindness and care, which ride on an ocean of peace.

The yogis name this profound and radical contentment with life AS it is, Santosha (which we’ll explore in a life changing workshop I’m leading Sunday and would love to see you at).  The questions are how do we get “there” and what stops us from tapping into the bliss that’s always been in us?  For me, getting caught up in competing with the Joneses, criticizing myself and others, and packing my life with doings is what steals my love.  YET, the invitation of Jesus and these words from Thich Nhat Hanh set us free: “Smile, breathe, and go slowly.”  It really is that simple.  Smile.  Breathe.  Go slowly.

So, today I invite us to attune ourselves to the deep rhythms of kindness, care, and peace by frequently choosing to smile internally and externally, deciding to breathe mindfully and deeply, and taking the time to go slowly.