“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”
Matthew 24:42
I recently read a short, helpful online article in Real Simple Magazine that summarizes that twelve benefits of mindfulness. As I’ve been doing the work of chaplaincy and providing spiritual care for patients in the hospital and my church members for many years, a way of being that is most helpful for those I am supporting is by being PRESENT. Basically, being present is being mindful of the current circumstances. When a patient or church member is needing support, it’s best to be fully present in the moment without bias or preference. If I focus too much on a person’s past, it’s can prevent a care recipient from moving forward. If I focus too much on the future (i.e. saying, “it’s gonna be okay” too quickly), I am rushing past a person’s emotions and minimizing their current reality. But by being fully present with the patient/church member/friend, I know I am empathizing with them, sharing in their experience, and creating safe space for their emotions. In short, I am fully awake, present, and mindful.
How can you provide those safe spaces of mindfulness with your loved ones?
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have.” – Eckhart Tolle
