On the Minister’s Mind

with Rev. Laine

"Humans have bodies. During the last century technology has been distancing us from our bodies. We have been losing our ability to pay attention to what we smell and taste. Instead, we are absorbed in our smartphones and computers. In the past, humans could not afford such carelessness. Ancient foragers were always alert and attentive. Wandering in the forest in search of mushrooms, they watched the ground for any telltale bulge. They listened to the slightest movement in the grass to learn whether a snake might be lurking there. Members of today's societies don't need such keen awareness. We can wander the supermarket aisles while texting messages. Whatever we choose we might end up eating it in haste in front of a screen, checking emails or watching television, while hardly paying attention to the actual taste." - Yuval Noah Harari, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century

I read this passage as a personal call to me for mindfulness and awareness.  Our bodies, or what I often refer to as our “magic suits”, are instruments of the Divine given to us to aid us in traversing the landscape of human existence.  However, we spend so much of our time abandoning the place in which our bodies move and live.

As we cross into the month of December, the distractions become even more alluring, pulling us into memories from the past, or pure avoidance of the moment at hand.  As stress builds, it is easy to look for a screen to occupy our minds, thus escaping the very present opportunity for connection to ourselves, others and the world around us. 

My invitation to you, and to myself, is to allow the body to fully immerse us in the present experience.  Be keenly aware of the visual kaleidoscope around you – colors, lights, movement, and nature.  Allow sounds to draw you in – music, laughter, conversations, and quiet whispers of the wind.  Truly touch the textures in your world – fabrics, stones, surfaces, and skin.  Taste the smorgasbord with wonder – favorite desserts, clean water, a holiday traditional food.  And, deeply smell all of it – the scent of your home, your dog’s neck, food cooking.   In other words, let’s be mindful and present.

Technology is so cool.  We all have a favorite game, streaming channel, and device.  There is nothing wrong with any of it, but let’s not allow our screens to rob us of our bodily experience of life. 

In every moment there is a spiritual wholeness to embrace, but first, we must see it, hear it, smell it, touch it, and taste it.  Then, we can let our soulful connection to the Divine to interpret it for us as we absorb it.   The wholeness awaits our recognition and thankfully, we have powerful tools born into our bodies to take it all in.

Thank God for everything!