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June 8 Daily Devotional

Sunday, June 8th

  • Scripture: James 3:18 – Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
  • Reflection: Peace is nurtured through intentional acts of compassion and reconciliation. Today is once more a Sabbath day.
    Just as a gardener cultivates harmony among plants, we are called to promote peace in our relationships. Of course, as Lao Tzu says, “If there is to be peace in the world, There must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, There must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, There must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, There must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, There must be peace in the heart.”  
    How can you cultivate peace in your heart? And then translate it into your relationships?
    One commentator from Hope Grows recommends these three approaches (full article: https://hopegrows.org/cultivating-peace-of-mind/):
    1. Peaceful Surroundings … It’s important for everyone – not just caregivers – to create a peaceful space where they can cultivate relaxation and take refuge from all the noise and information of the modern era. This can be a room at home, a special oasis in the backyard or a garden.
    2. Beauty …  clinical psychologist, Nancy Etcoff, sums up the results of a study in which people placed bright, cut flower bouquets around their homes. She said, “things that are beautiful to the senses capture our attention and quiet the mind in an effortless way.” She said music and photos of happy events can have the same calming and reassuring effect.
    3. Mindfulness … The Mayo Clinic suggests these exercises as possible entry points to cultivate mindfulness. They write, What are some examples of mindfulness exercises? (full article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356)
      1. Pay attention. It’s hard to slow down and notice things in a busy world. Try to take the time to experience your environment with all of your senses — touch, sound, sight, smell and taste. For example, when you eat a favorite food, take the time to smell, taste and truly enjoy it.
      2. Focus on your breathing. When you have negative thoughts, try to sit down, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Sitting and breathing for even just a minute can help.
      3. Accept yourself. Treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend.
      4. Live in the moment. Try to intentionally bring an open, accepting and discerning attention to everything you do. Find joy in simple pleasures.
        You can also try more structured mindfulness exercises, such as:
      5. Body scan meditation. Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms at your sides, palms facing up. Focus your attention slowly and deliberately on each part of your body, in order, from toe to head or head to toe. Be aware of any sensations, emotions or thoughts associated with each part of your body.
      6. Sitting meditation. Sit comfortably with your back straight, feet flat on the floor and hands in your lap. Breathing through your nose, focus on your breath moving in and out of your body. If physical sensations or thoughts interrupt your meditation, note the experience and then return your focus to your breath.
      7. Walking meditation. Find a quiet place 10 to 20 feet in length, and begin to walk slowly. Focus on the experience of walking, being aware of the sensations of standing and the subtle movements that keep your balance. When you reach the end of your path, turn and continue walking, maintaining awareness of your sensations.
  • Spiritual Practice Prompt: Choose one way to can foster peace of mind and heart. Add flowers to your home, listen to music, bring images of happy events into your space, or take up mindfulness practices.

Song: 

  • You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.― Eckhart Tolle
  • Peace is not something you wish for, it is something you make, something you are, something you do and something you give away. ― Robert Fulghum
  • You have peace,” the old woman said, “when you make it with yourself.” ― Mitch Albom
  • Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without. ― Siddhārtha Gautama
  • You have everything you need for complete peace and total happiness right now. ― Wayne W. Dyer
  • World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion. ― Dalai Lama XIV
    June 8 Daily Devotional
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