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Be. Here. Now.

These three words are the most important of the spiritual practices. Notice your thoughts. How often are they dwelling the past, perhaps obsessing with something that is over and done or are worrying about the future. These thoughts are generated most often by our egos. The ego’s job is to keep us from changing, in a vain attempt to keep us safe and surviving. But as humans we can live more deeply and joyfully in this life than the ego’s fear.

The soul dwells in the present. No matter what is happening, we always have the choice to simply stop, take a breath and ask ourselves, “How am I now?” Just noticing is presence. It brings us back to the reality of ourselves instead of living into illusions. “How you are now” may mean you are frustrated or angry or bored. But just noticing that will begin to change those feelings.  What we resist, persists. Allowing however you are in the moment allows grace to enter and God’s guidance to be heard.

And often when we check in with ourselves, we can notice that despite all the thoughts that distract us, in that moment, we are okay. We are being held. We can trust God.

Let “Be. Here. Now” become a mantra for you in your day. Explore the space that opens in your soul as you become present. Stay close to yourselves in this way, and you may notice the presence of God is close as well.

Pastor Marcia Wakeland is a retired ELCA pastor, a spiritual director and a listening advocate. She is interested in the actual experience of having faith and how that is lived out. She can be reached at mwakeland@gmail.com for comments or more questions Her ongoing blog of living out spiritual practices is listeninglife.live