This Pandemic, or any significant crisis, triggers a desire for control, and makes us realise that we are not, after all, as in control as we thought. When we are out of control in our own circumstances, we feel vulnerable and unsafe.
However, the fourteenth century English mystic, Mother Julian of Norwich,
said with confidence....
.... all shall be well, and all shall be well,
and all manner [of] things shall be well."
Do you think this is something for which you can hope? Will "all be well" at any time in your life, or do you feel that things are going awry in your life?
Are you in control of your life, or do external influences control you? Do you feel in charge, or do you feel your destiny is in others' hands?
A LETTING-GO EXERCISE
Focus today on identifying what it is that is controlling you.
Is it an influence for good?
Or do you feel restricted, unable to be yourself?
Can you let it go?
Focus on your breathing.
Stretch out your hand in front of you ...
clench your fist....
Breath in slowly....
Hold - then...
Breath out slowly, unfolding your palm
as a sign of letting-go
of what is in control of you that is unhelpful
or preventing you from being the best person you can be..
Do this until you feel at ease.
The psalmist reminds us that when we feel we are losing control,
God has us in the palm of His hand, and that He loves us and knows us.
Let God help you to embrace who you really are.....
" Light of light, you have searched me out and known me.
You know where I am and where I go,
you see my thoughts from afar.
You discern my paths and my resting places, you are acquainted with all
my ways.
Yes, and not a word comes from my lips but you, O God, have heard it already. For you have created every part of my being, cell and tissue, blood and bone.
You have woven me in the womb of my mother; I will praise you, so wonderfully am I made."
(Psalm 139 - Jim Cotter)
Rest in the knowledge that you are known, loved, accepted,
and that you are never alone, that God is there with you.
It may seem paradoxical, but the healthiest thing you can do
when you are feeling discouraged,
is to meditate on the passion and death of Jesus.
St. John of the Cross said, “Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing
happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent.”
Very simply, gaze upon a crucifix and think of the love of Jesus.
As the reality of the passion sinks deep into our souls,
we will be compelled to see our problems in their proper perspective,
and then to unite them to the sufferings of Jesus.
If you are feeling that all is wrong in your life,
take inventory of the many things that are right.
Name at least five things for which you are thankful.
Read the following prayer from St. Teresa of Avila.
Your kindness melts my hard, cold soul. your beauty fills my dull, sad eyes. I am yours, you made me. I am yours, you called me. I am yours, you saved me. I am yours, you loved me. I will never leave your presence. Give me death, give me life. Give me sickness, give me health. Give me honour, give me shame. Give me weakness, give me strength. I will have whatever you give.
