#iGrowchallenge: Slowing Down

Spiritual Practice For the Week: Slowing

Peter Kreeft writes: “If you can’t take time for nothing, you’re a slave to doing. Doing nothing is a radical, revolutionary act. It frees you from the universal slavery of the age: slavery to the clock. The clock measures doing but not being.” 

As we are continue through Lent we are reminded that we can do nothing to earn grace, we can only receive it. So, the discipline of ‘slowing’ is a way to stop and receive God’s grace in your life. This does not mean that we stop the necessary work of life, but only that we confront our inner hurriedness and addiction to busyness, and make space for God and others in our lives. Here are some suggestions for engaging in this discipline this week:

1. In the morning and the evening, before the busyness of the day begins and after the busyness is over, spend a few moments in silent prayer. This prayer may not involve words at all, but just being present with God and letting God love you and reassure you of His Grace.

2. As you conclude your prayer time in the morning, offer God three main tasks that you need to attend to during the day. Pray through them and give God your concerns.

3. This week, intentionally choose the slow lane, intentionally ride a bit slower to work or from work, intentionally get in the longest line at the grocery store or the bank.  Do this as a spiritual discipline and be aware of the times you rush through the day. Practice taking your time.  Be aware of the questions and feelings that arise in your mind when you do this. What is hard about intentionally slowing down? Relish the time and be in the presence of God.

4. When possible, focus on quality and not quantity. In your work and at home, try to do a task as well as it can be done, and ponder your work and job as a holy offering to God.

5. Intentionally sit longer at the dinner table. Play more with your children. Have longer conversations with friends and family. Don’t run to the next thing if you don’t have to.

6. Insert margins of rest and relaxation in your day. Avoid scheduling back to back meetings. Remember that is better to be unavailable than inattentive. Take deep breath before you pick up the phone.

7. When people ask, “so how you are doing?” refrain from entering into a litany of how busy you are.  Saying how busy we are reinforces the ‘revved up’ existence we are trying to slow down from.

8. Read slowly, for transformation and not information.

9. Counter gut reactions that come from feeling threatened or insecure by breathing slowly and deeply. Breathe in Christ’s presence. Breathe out your anxiety and fear.

10. Practicing pausing and thinking before responding in conversation or meetings. Practicing speaking less and listening more.