October 15: Finding Peace Amidst Change
- Scripture: Philippians 4:7 — “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Reflection: Peace is possible even during upheaval. Invite this inner serenity to calm your mind and spirit.
Make this as an active choice. Become a partner in your own well-being and welcome the deep connection to the Source of peace that is larger than yourself. You don’t have to seek peace by yourself.
1) Focus on your breath: Pay close attention to the sensation of the air as you inhale and exhale.
2) Breathe deeply: Try to make your breaths deep and full, allowing them to flow into your belly.
3) Inhale peace, exhale tension: Imagine inhaling peace and goodness, and exhale any stress, tension, or negative thoughts.
4) Synchronize with a mantra (optional): You can say a word or phrase with each breath on the inhale and the exhale (see below).
5) Lengthen your exhale: A simple technique is to make your exhalation longer than your inhalation. For example, inhale for a count of 4, and exhale for a count of 8. - Spiritual Practice: Breathe, pray, and focus on a word or phrase from the scripture above: “peace of God” or “transcend” or “understanding” or “hearts and minds” or “in Christ”. Integrate intentional breathing and mindfulness into in your daily life: it can become a form or prayer accessible at any time of day.
Song:
- “Peace Be Still” by Lauren Daigle: https://youtu.be/dUpKZz0Nm7c?si=fHW5QGuSNXmrXP0H
Meditation is offering your genuine presence to yourself in every moment. ― Thích Nhất Hạnh
Breathing mindfully, you are already finding a refuge in your breath, and you become aware of what’s going on in your body, your feelings, your perceptions, your mental formations, and your consciousnes … the five skandhas (“aggregates”), or elements, that make up what we call a person. ― Thich Nhat Hanh
Oct 15 Daily Devotional