The Power of Stillness

    I just finished reading the book, The Power of Stillness, written by various authors and published by Deseret Book. The subtitle reads, Mindful Living for Latter-Day Saints. 

    I first heard about the book when one of the authors, Ty Mansfield, gave a guest lecture in one of my classes. My interest was piqued by the idea of a Latter-day Saint perspective on mindfulness. A short while later, I purchased the book from Deseret Book. 

    I decided to take a slow approach to reading the book, little by little, over the period of about a month. This just felt right, considering a major message of the book was about slowing down. The authors emphasize a growing interest in mindfulness which seems to counter the overwhelmingly fast pace of the world today. They argue for a need to slow down, to take time to be still, and to connect with God in solitude. 

    One of the major points the authors make is that mindfulness, though often associated with Buddhist practices, is also a distinctly Christian practice. Alongside His teaching and miracles, Jesus would often take time to retreat and connect with His Father in solitude and silence. Christ knew the value of time for himself to be still, to be mindful. We too need to find time to be still. This could be an opportunity to breath, to notice our surroundings, to close our eyes and relax. It may seem like a waste of time, but it may be essential to our personal well-being and our ability to get things done.

    The overall message of the book resonates well with me. Take time to be still, live in the present, and breathe deeply. This is a message which I think all of the world needs to hear, but it does appeal especially to the Christian who strives to know God.

"Be still and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10