Mark Longhust Whatever thoughts are jostling in our mind, the practice of silence loosens their grip and over time heals our inner divisions. In Greek mythology, chaos was thought of as the origin of everything. Posted at 11:14h in Insights by Jacques LeBlanc. The In the Midst of Chaos Caring for Children as Spiritual Practice Fourth and final stage of spiritual awakening is a pious person who becomes powerful in the spiritual awakening life cycle. I face the silence of the world every time I try to focus on The One. Comfort food, daily naps, early bedtimes. Home; My Books; Browse Recommendations; Choice Awards; Genres; Giveaways; New Releases; Lists; Explore; News & Interviews; Genres. There is always constant noise, and chitchat, especially now that the kids are getting older. Print . Shannon Santamaria: I was in a very troubled situation where… I didn’t know who to trust. Or you may choose to sit in complete and utter silence in a very dark room. Every force of Satan would seek to put that light out. Chaos can be defined as a state of disorder and/or massive confusion. In the midst of chaos, what do we do? Elijah had been thorough in the midst of a storm He was scared! She questions conventional perceptions that spiritual practices require silence, solitude, and uninterrupted prayer and that assume a life unburdened by care of others. No longer would she get cheated on. by thecenterforcontemplativepractice. Albany, NY 12208 Sometimes the kids do sleep in. Into the chaos of this life, the Word became Flesh. Here we are in the middle of October and it’s already time for homebrew #2 – Brewer’s Best Pumpkin Spice Porter. (518) 465-3813 Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  I am not a contemplative, merely one who aspires to follow and learn from the Cistercian spiritual men and women who have gone on before me. Joseph was kidnapped by his brothers and sold as a slave: “Now Joseph was taken down to Egypt, and Potiphar an officer of Phara oh, bought him.” Genesis 39: 2 tells us that God was with Joseph and everything went well with him. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. In the Midst of Chaos reveals what it takes to find the spiritual wisdom in the messy, familial ways of living. You can sit or lie down with a cushion, or even practice a walking meditation. “Silence is an excellent way to quiet our  habitual busy bodies and overactive rational minds while becoming more receptive, self-reflective and sensitive.” ( Kipfer, 2015, p.55). See each thought as a car driving by. I think of Jesus, walking among the crowds in the midst of total chaos and discomfort, undisturbed and in complete tranquility. This video was filmed in … Updated: May 10. Let there be a calming of the clamoring, a stilling of the voices that have laid their claim on you, that have made their home in you, that go with you even to the holy places but will not let you rest, will not let you hear your life with wholeness or feel the grace that fashioned you. October 9, 2012 by kdoh. Be still.” The waves stopped and the winds died down. 09/11/2020. Encountered God and responded – not to earthquake, wind, or fire – but to silence. Free lunch will be provided to the first 50 attendees. INTO THE SILENCE: In this time of chaos. She responded with silence as her eyes met her new mate's own. Normally, our retreats are made in environments conducive to silence, long meandering nature paths to walk, a multitude of nooks and crannies to nestle oneself in for prayer. You may begin to ruminate on things that are happening in the world, at work, or in your personal relationships. Whatever thoughts are jostling in our mind, the practice of silence loosens their grip and over time heals our inner divisions. It is being aware that the total act of my offering of self to God is itself a prayer of God’s great patience and love for such a broken-down old Lay Cistercian. It might seem like a contradiction to say that you can practice silence in the midst of the turmoil of living life each day. Thoughts lost somewhere. As breathing is something we do naturally, it is not typically something consciously think about. It’s not that people fail at meditating or any other endeavor  in life, it’s that they usually stop trying. But this new hobby has continued out of the need for personal alone time talking with Jesus. In the midst of the chaos I was reminded of the passage in Mark chapter four when Jesus calmed the storm. I see it in your faces; I see it in mine when I look into the mirror. More than once in the past week have I seen it, in the cold and in the bonfires’ smoke down on Plymouth Ave. and in the peaceful community marching and standing in unity. Encountered God and responded – not to earthquake, wind, or fire – but to silence. By rethinking parenting as an invitation to discover God in the middle of our busy and overstuffed lives, it relieves parents of the burden of being the all-knowing authority figures who impart spiritual knowledge to children. Silence is so hard to come by these days its almost creepy when it shows up. But if you allow the water to settle, the debris will eventually sink and you’ll be able to see more clearly. The same is true of each of us. I am writing to you in the midst of the silence of both civil and religious authorities. The world as we know it continues to change at a crucial speed. But then, in everything, all I need is to be silent. Understanding that life is cyclical will encourage peace. Being proactive is an intelligent way to avoid personal chaos in your family and loved ones in the midst of national or planetary chaos. There is a silence that rests like a young bird in your palms. No RSVP is necessary.. To reserve your lunch, please bring a pair of scissors to the Office of Global Health (2B410) by Tuesday, February 14. In the Midst of Chaos challenges this assumption. I struggled to find the peace of the Lord in a world of chaos. Being a mom of 9 kids, I am surprised that I am not yet deaf! My own experience that the storms of life always comes, but if I ground myself with a… This famous passage is from St. Augustine’s Confessions (Lib 1,1-2,2.5,5: CSEL 33, 1-5) in which Saint Augustine states “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Contemplation, without the source of divine energy and the authentic object of human focus, is just thinking nice thoughts about life. Call Our Offices: (800) 777-6531 or (518) 465-3813 | Información EAP en español, HomeArticlesHow to Remain Silent in the Midst of Chaos: An Introduction to Meditation. August 7-13, 2017. How to Remain Silent in the Midst of Chaos: An Introduction to Meditation. This creates the optimum conditions for emotional and physical healing. Sometimes we may find it difficult to catch up to how fast things are moving. As current events continue to unfold with COVID-19, fear and unsettling thoughts have most likely hit an all-time high. That in all things, may God be glorified. Show/Hide Transcript. No longer would she get cheated on. Follow THE CENTER FOR CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE on WordPress.com. Favorite Quotations ~ Chaos MP3 Speaker Systems "We adore chaos because we love to produce order." ~ Carl Jung A little touch of chaos and danger makes a city sexy. The silence of the heart for one who seeks God is different than the one who seeks to be alone without any sounds. 5 Ways to find peace in the midst of chaos. A Lay Cistercian Looks at Spiritual Reality, Posted on September 18, 2017 Being someone who constantly likes to be doing things, I wasn’t sure that I would be the kind of person that would pick up “COVID hobbies” like all the Instagram posts hinted at. They turn every busy place into a silent film. Art; Biography; Business; Children's; Christian; Classics; Comics; Cookbooks; Ebooks; Fantasy; Fiction; Graphic Novels; Historical Fiction; History; Horror; Memoir; Music; Mystery; Nonfiction; Poet They are called contemplatives. Therefore, this is the perfect timing to sit in silence and learn to meditate. Posted on June 13, 2015 by geraldineaquino. Think slow and sure. To make it worse, they have always been playing their favorite Christian music station most of the day, after school-time. No longer would she have to endure abuse. Silence in the midst of chaos is an art that no man can understand! Her riot against Zeus, which she thought was an epic debacle, was actually a blessing in disguise. Therefore, this is the perfect timing to sit in silence and learn to meditate. Though it may be something to aspire to, it is not completely necessary to meditate for 30 minutes to an hour at a time. Again, using one of the rules of the Spiritual Universe, the Rule of Opposites, as soon as you think SPIRITUAL, you think the opposite of what the world considers silence. If you are new to practicing meditation, or if you feel you can’t keep focus for long periods of time, it may be helpful to begin with just 5 minutes. And of course, there is the ever-present temptation to grab your phone or iPad or fire up the television to tune into the latest news or binge watch those shows on Netflix you’ve been wanting to see. The beauty of meditation is that it is a process and a process includes taking things one step at a time. As one who aspires to be a Lay Cistercian, I face the silence of God every time I try to enter into contemplation with the Holy. Silent in the City: A Retreat in the Midst of Chaos. In the Midst of Chaos explores parenting as spiritual practice, building on Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore's fresh conceptions of children from her book Let the Children Come. When you ‘still’ the monkey chatter within your mind you bathe your mind in the purity of silence and nothingness. Over the years, as I tried meditation and focusing on my being, I was left without of any meaning or product from my endeavors. The dog could run through your circle of crystals, breaking through your focus and scattering the gems across the room. Silence long lost in the midst of chaos long lost in the endless chatter. Being baptized, it was like everything was light, as … She was now born anew, as the Goddess of Marriage and Fertility, as the Queen of Olympus, and as Chaos' wife. Sh*t happens. Failing to silence Him, they would seek to kill Him. Taking Time: Many people speak about how they would love to meditate or journal, but they don’t feel they have the time. May you accept these words of mine … He has entered into the chaos of this world and has endured it like none other. Life may be chaotic for you at times, it was for me a few years ago. July 10, 2012 Retreats. Eliminating your fear of failing is an important aspect of this journey. One can burn candles, incense, while smooth jazz or sounds of nature are playing in the background. They used to hear it … Trying to Find ‘Quiet Time’ in the Midst of Chaos Read More » What is most active is the mind and the human mind searches an invisible but instinctual sense of belonging. The verse goes on to say, in quietness (which literally means: to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed) and trust is our strength. There is always constant noise, and chitchat, especially now that the kids are getting older. Hunny! Silence in the time of chaos. Her riot against Zeus, which she thought was an epic debacle, was actually a blessing in disguise. Life is hard when you don’t know where to turn. It might seem like a contradiction to say that you can practice silence in the midst of the turmoil of living life each day. Wednesday, June 26, 2013 . Later on in life, I focused my contemplation on the Lectio Divina and just sitting on a park bench and waiting for God to show up, or as the Spirit prompted, to just be content to have my heart next to the heart of Christ. Inviting Silence Amidst Chaos is an Alchemy Spinning™ dance performance series from different cities around the world. Mind confused. Paulo Buchinho/Getty Images. Repeat this mantra in silence and with rhythmic breath until well after the eclipse: Please God help me with my intention to live truthfully. clarity in the midst of chaos a moment of silence please… Tag Archives: homebrew Post navigation Homebrew #2 – Pumpkin Spice Porter. Losing my focus. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. How to Remain Silent in the Midst of Chaos: An Introduction to Meditation. In the midst of the chaos, Jesus is with you. ( Log Out /  Silence in the time of chaos. Silence In The Midst of Chaos. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Silence is not just the absence of noise or sound but rather a disposition of the mind to use both silence and solitude to focus on allowing God to speak. ( Log Out /  In verse 35 Jesus says “ ... Then Jesus woke up from his sleep and said “Silence! And there is often chaos in the practice or, at least, happening around you as you practice. In the Midst of Chaos challenges this assumption. Being a mom of 9 kids, I am surprised that I am not yet deaf! Mark Longhust. ” In the midst of chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” ~Deepak Chopra. The current coronavirus pandemic is bringing worry and scary times. There is also a lot of chaos within. Singer Rita Ora hosted a birthday party over the weekend, although gatherings are banned in Britain.World star Rita Ora has been in the eye after celebrating her 30th birthday with friends over the weekend. It started out of a need to get away from the chaos of the house. No matter how you choose to create your space, it is essence to create a space that is right for you, the individual. One demand to the next ~ one function to the next. It exists even in the midst of noise, even when standing under the shower letting the water wash over the face, he says. The colours, the trees, the wildlife, the sound of running water (one of my favourite sounds on Earth), God’s creation all around me, silence in the vehicle (no small miracle!) In other words, change or growth couldn’t occur before… Silence in the Midst of Chaos featuring Mike Russell School of Medicine, Class of 2018 This event is free & open to the public. Again, the words of St. Augustine, that great seeker of meaning says, “ You have made us for yourself, … Sometimes all of the conditions are laid out perfectly around you and you get your chance to … I couldn’t even ask the questions that I had in my mind. Call (518) 465-3813 Option 2, How to Remain Silent in the Midst of Chaos: An Introduction to Meditation. What transcendental meditation could not do for me personally was to bring God into the equation, which in the last analysis is the only game in town worth playing. The phone might ring in the middle of your meditation. In The Midst Of Election Chaos, We’re Still Obsessed With What’s Going On In The Trump’s Marriage Anna Brech. Many of you are wondering how to remain calm when things all around us seem to be flying out of control. What better way to return to silence than with meditation? You see it, then allow to pass out of your view. Now that we see meditation as a practice, we may see the importance of taking it one step at a time, and allowing positive change to flow through us. ... And I just started crying. Praise for In the Midst of Chaos "Parents fear that because they can't find the time and silence needed for prayer in the whirlwind of caring for children, faith must be put on hold. Megastar Rita Ora held a party in complete silence in the midst of coronation chaos - soon the truth turned white and rage burst. Posted at 11:14h in Insights by Jacques LeBlanc. This kind of behavior builds walls, which, as scripture says, leads to "A house divided" which will fall. Creating a Space: This can be considered a sacred space, or a space in which you would go to hear yourself think, so to speak. Meditation can be specifically helpful in mental, physical and spiritual healing. Share. "Parents fear that because they can t find the time and silence needed for prayer in the all–consuming whirlwind of caring for children, faith must be put on hold. Meditation is said to decrease anxiety, help one cope with life’s stressors, regain focus, increase motivation and be an inspiration for creativity, among many other positives. How to Find Peace in The Midst of Chaos (and why your future self will thank you) April 30, 2020 | admin 2 Comments. Share. Let my mind wander. Elijah had been thorough in the midst of a storm He was scared! "Inner Peace" (10w poem) even in the midst of chaos my heart is calm ----- Dear Friend, I wish I could tell you that your life will always calm and peaceful, but that would be a lie. And that was through serving God. The world as we know it continues to change at a crucial speed. Just breathe through it! Silence in the Midst of Chaos W ithout a doubt everyone of you can identify with me when I say there has been so much happening in my life recently that I don't know if I am coming or going. I love rooftops. They are called contemplatives. I think of Jesus, walking among the crowds in the midst of total chaos and discomfort, undisturbed and in complete tranquility. Sometimes the dog is quiet. Your mom or grandma could come over in the middle of your journal writing and disrupt your thoughts. Here the person with spiritual enlightenment is totally immersed in the purity of silence sings in the consciousness of karma. I struggle to not let interruptions interrupt my conscious linking of my self to God. Well, Sweet pea proved that the other day! ... in maintaining an external and internal calmness in the midst of these exceptional stress filled circumstances. “Silence is an excellent way to quiet our habitual busy bodies and overactive rational minds while becoming more receptive, self-reflective and sensitive.” ( Kipfer, 2015, p.55). To be sure, there is the noise of daily living inside as well as outside the monastery. In The Midst Of Election Chaos, We’re Still Obsessed With What’s Going On In The Trump’s Marriage Anna Brech. Go to bed, get up, what's next on the list to get done. I didn’t know whether to trust my family. Trusting the Process: As previously mentioned, learning to meditate and practicing regularly can be challenging. Instead, Luke simply says that Jesus passes through the midst of crowd and goes on his way. I know that I let go; God does not let go. Sometimes we may find it difficult to catch up to how fast things are moving. Battle of the gods, killing of false prophets, bounty on his head Run away to the wilderness, fed by ravens, led to holy mountain, complained! “Silence can benefit us if we use it wisely,” says Julie Potiker, a mindfulness expert and author of the new book, Life Falls Apart, But You Don’t Have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos. …there was no shortage of things to be grateful for. Let my thoughts come into track. The current coronavirus pandemic is bringing worry and scary times. ... Find time for silence. The kids might burst in during your yoga practice in tears or wanting cookies. "Parents fear that because they can’t find the time and silence needed for prayer in the all-consuming whirlwind of caring for children, faith must be put on hold. "Parents fear that because they can t find the time and silence needed for prayer in the all–consuming whirlwind of caring for children, faith must be put on hold. If you stir muddy water, it will become murky and dark. No longer would she have to endure abuse. For your sin He endured being cast away from God’s presence (Matthew 27:46). In verse 35 Jesus says “Let’s go over to the other side.” Jesus took the disciples left the crowd where he was preaching, and got into boat to go to the other side. I fall victim to this one too, so you are NOT alone! P Anima | Updated on November 09, 2019 Published on November 08, 2019 Listening to the quiet: Silence remains … “Silence can benefit us if we use it wisely,” says Julie Potiker, a mindfulness expert and author of the new book, Life Falls Apart, But You Don’t Have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos. The opposite of peace is chaos. Throw a kid or two into the mix whose routines (and lives) have been completely upended and you have a perfect mix for chaos. I encourage you, my brothers and sisters, to never stop seeking God in the midst of life's chaos. 09/11/2020. Toll Free (800) 777-6531, For Capital EAP members Overcoming Sadness in the Midst of Chaos. For someone who wants to move from self to God, nice is not nice enough. What sounds like a complete waste of time is actually the sign of contradiction. A young woman struggling with family problems finds the peace she needs to overcome her sadness. At the same time, the national policy of stay-at-home is challenging all of us. Perhaps many, like me, had just begun to settle into a routine with your illness, family, job, responsibilities then suddenly boom everything has turned upside down. In the Midst of Chaos explores parenting as spiritual practice, building on Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore's fresh conceptions of children from her book Let the Children Come. Creativity and Stillness in the Midst of Chaos. At the same time, the national policy of stay-at-home is challenging all of us. Change ). Silence is the pathway of peace in the middle of chaos. There’s a lot to be stirred up about right now. Here’s how to find peace in the midst of chaos. –St. We are for sure in the “digital age” and it has become the end of the world if we are without our phones for even a second!However, it is a must to find peace. Again, the words of St. Augustine, that great seeker of meaning says, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”, It is the time it takes to carve out space and line it with the silence that is the enduring prayer of glory and honor to the Father through the Son in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Silence is the pathway of peace in the middle of chaos. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. He knew the end toward which He was walking each day. 2020-11-30T21:31:18.418Z. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. even in the midst of chaos. As current events continue to unfold with COVID-19, fear and unsettling thoughts have most likely hit an all-time high. He knew each day was going to require more suffering and that ultimately He would suffer in the most excruciating way. Meditation is known to have a variety of  benefits and people practice for many different reasons. Note that you may find yourself redirecting multiple times throughout your session, whether you’re practicing for 5 minutes or for 30 minutes, it is a natural part of the process. Silence Lately I've seen several people post things that say something along the lines of, "Silence is golden, unless you have a toddler. Acknowledging your Thoughts: As you focus on your breathing, you will most likely become distracted by your thoughts. Share . She responded with silence as her eyes met her new mate's own. Battle of the gods, killing of false prophets, bounty on his head Run away to the wilderness, fed by ravens, led to holy mountain, complained! In the Midst of Chaos challenges this assumption. ... For once in my life I was finding peace in the chaos. God speaking in the midst of chaos, God making sense out of the senseless Tower of Bable that asks us to follow this or that way and gain meaning. Raquel uses the power of Alchemy Spinning to create a space of silence and presence in the midst of chaos of the cities. A mantra distracts the conscious mind and leads your unconscious mind into a deep meditative state. In the midst of chaos, what do we do? Finding Balance in the Midst of Chaos: A Mindful Yoga Retreat .