How do I live in this crazy world?

This crazy world certainly makes it difficult to remain centered. Connecting to what we find meaningful is centering. Living meaningfully balances the chaos around us. When it’s hard to recall what is important, contemplative prompts help. Be centered by learning 3 simple steps to recall what’s meaningful to you – by using contemplative prompts.

How to be centered in this crazy world

The concept of prompts is popular with creative artists like writers, photographers, and painters seeking inspiration. I often find prompts helpful to inspire contemplation, especially when I am preoccupied and having difficulty quieting my mind. For me, prompts works to inspire a creative state for writing my blogs and articles.  Contemplative prompts also serves as a centering practice to clear my mind and become more present and mindful. Give it a try and see what it does for you!

You have several options for this first step. Pick a word each day. You may proceed through the list from top to bottom. (The words are in random order.) Or scan the list and wait for a word to jump out at you.  Or close your eyes and point your finger to the page (or your screen) to select your word.

Create a quiet moment, or several moments if you can be so lucky.  Pause for a bit. Focus on your breath for a few seconds. Repeat your word as often as you like.

Responses to your word might come from your body, mind, spirit in many ways.  Notice what comes up. Emotions? Thoughts? What changes in your body?

Here are some words and phrases you might contemplate.

Centering meaningful words to contemplate

Journaling with contemplative prompts

If time permits and you like to write, you might journal your experiences with these contemplative prompts.  You can do that at the end of your day if you don’t have time in the moment. I prefer to wait, as often inspiration or insight occurs in time.

Contemplative writing

Closely related to this practice of contemplative prompts is contemplative writing. Read more about this meaningful practice from a Buddhis and secular perspective in Psychology Today’s article titled “How to start contemplative writing.”

To learn more about centering with a Christian tradition of contemplative writing, check out The Contemplative Writer.

What is meaningful

It’s hard to stay in touch with what we find meaningful when the crazy world around us settles into chaos.  I work at it every single day. Try this practice of using contemplative prompts and let us know how it works for you.

Have you any contemplative words you’d like to add to this list? Please share them with us in the comment section!

In peace,

Gale

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Blog #12 in the Soothing Series: Gentle ways to

regain your composure and find some inner peace 

Sometimes, attaining a state of relaxation seems impossible. Even if you know the benefits – quality sleep, resistance to infection, less muscle pain, better problem solving – you cannot get to a relaxed state from your stressed state. Fortunately, even if relaxing seems unattainable, soothing yourself can reduce your stress level by a degree or perhaps two.

Sometimes simple soothing strategies are not going to meet your needs.  At those times, get expert help.  Call your doctor, your therapist, your pastor, or get yourself to an emergency room.  Be safe.

Soothe yourself when you have had a difficult day, have too much on your plate, or perhaps are experiencing a period of intense change.  You deserve it.