My mind is a very restless space, which often manifests in a body that can’t be still for very long, at all. If you know me, you know.
Last night I was in bed at 10:00, but my mind immediately started racing. So much to do, so much waiting on me tomorrow, this week, this YEAR!
I felt the apprehension washing in and then I felt my chest begin to tighten, followed by that all familiar slight tingle that washes over my body when it really gets cranked up. The enemy just smiled.
When I take an ice bath, I think of nothing but breathing. At first, it’s a real struggle to get air in and out of your lungs when your muscles are contracting spasmodically from head to toe. It takes serious focus. Just be still…. and breath.
Last night when the anxiety came rolling in and continued to gain momentum my initial thought was, I’m never going to sleep tonight. Then something, somewhere inside of me said…. just breath.
I took a slow deliberate breath in, then a slow deliberate exhale out. One. Then another. Two. Then another. Three.
I focused only on feeling, and hearing, the sound the air made in the pitch black silence as it entered and left my body. Four.
I’ve never done that before, but I told myself, I’ll focus on breathing and count my breathes until the sun comes up if that’s what it takes. The enemy doesn’t get to just walk in my room and antagonize me. Five.
I remember passing 12, I never even made it to 15. Then this morning….
I sit down to read my guidepost devotional and the verse at the top of the page is Psalm 46:10…. “Be still, and know that I am God”.
And then there was the devotional….
Written by a man that references his restless mind, and a story inspired by watching his sound asleep dog beside him breath, methodically and peacefully, in and out, until he eventually finds a mental, and spiritual Peace in the process himself.
I can’t make this stuff up.
Get In The Boat. Do Your Part.
Be Still, Just Breathe…. From Nose To Toes!
Shane / #16