Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6 RSV
Some days the world seems to be swirling especially hard around me, full of turmoil. This verse is one that I rely on for comfort. I have taken it quite literally at times and held something in my hand and focused on the person or place I associate with it to find that quiet place inside of me.
"Welcome to Brothers and Sisters, the weekly meetup for prayer* and community at Daily Kos. We put an asterisk on pray* to acknowledge that not everyone uses conventional religious language, but may want to share joys and concerns, or simply take solace in a meditative atmosphere. Anyone who comes in the spirit of mutual respect, warmth and healing is welcome."
What are some of the things I hold? My beloved grandfather's keychain. A stone smoothed by water. A piece of jewelry. I used to have a key that fit into a lock on a door of the house I grew up in until I gave it away to someone dear who understood its meaning.
Perhaps it's not very spiritual to rely on things. But my house - like yours? - is filled with objects that have meaning to me; everyday things that connect me to people and places long gone. Reminders of special times of my life and my children's lives. Things that clear my mind of present day turmoil and fill me with peace.
I think when most people think of religion and spirituality, touch isn't the first thing that comes to mind. Westerners tend to be a bit more cerebral. As a Presbyterian elder, I was ordained by laying on of hands. I admit to some anxiety beforehand but it was a powerful experience and when I have been privileged to participate in ordinations, it continues to be a profoundly moving act.
Having been raised Catholic, making the sign of the cross is still a shortcut to centering myself before prayer. The rosary beads that slipped through my grandmother's fingers every night were more than a reminder of how many times to say the Hail Mary.
All my experiences are Western and Christian. I would love to hear other traditions or practices.
How do you center yourself? What has your spiritual tradition taught you? How do you find your handful of quietness? Is it a talisman? A mantra? Have you found something all on your own? Are you still seeking something?