Mindfulness in Worship with Carrie Skarda and Jacob Hess
Jan 20, 2025
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Carrie Skarda and Jacob Hess, co-authors of 'The Practice of Stillness,' share their insights on integrating mindfulness within spiritual practices. They discuss the importance of slowing down to connect with God, contrasting stillness with the distractions of modern life. The conversation dives into the benefits of mindfulness for mental health and relationships, emphasizing how reflective prayer can enhance personal growth. They also explore how reading can shape identity and the role of women in nurturing inner stillness amidst busy lives.
Embracing stillness in faith practices allows individuals to deepen their connection with God and balance their busy lives.
Jesus' example of prioritizing solitude highlights the benefit of being present, fostering awareness in our spiritual journey and emotional well-being.
Deep dives
The Necessity of Stillness in Modern Life
There is a growing recognition of the need for stillness in a fast-paced culture that promotes constant busyness. Individuals often experience a decrease in stress and improvement in their overall health and relationships when they practice stopping and being still. By integrating stillness into their faith practices, people can find a necessary balance to their active lives and foster deeper connections with God. This shift from a checklist approach to seeing faith activities as opportunities for stillness can significantly refresh one's spiritual experience.
Jesus as a Model of Stillness
Jesus' life serves as a profound example of the power of stillness, as he consistently made time for solitude and reflection amidst urgent circumstances. Instances where he paused to engage with those around him—even when pressed for time—highlight the importance of being present and aware. This model encourages followers to carve out their own moments for stillness, inviting deeper relationships with God and fostering self-reflection in their daily lives. Emulating Jesus’ prioritization of stillness not only enriches one's spiritual journey but also enhances emotional well-being.
Practical Suggestions for Cultivating Stillness
Incorporating stillness into everyday life doesn't require adding more activities to an already busy schedule; instead, it involves transforming existing practices into opportunities for reflection and mindfulness. Simple actions, such as being present during routine tasks or creating family reading hours, help cultivate a sense of calm and connection. Engaging in mindful prayer, even if just for a brief moment of stillness before speaking, can significantly deepen one's spiritual experience. By embracing these practices, individuals can find their way back to a more peaceful and meaningful relationship with God.
Today we’re talking all about how to slow down and commune with God. It’s a topic that we hope will help remind us how to draw closer to God without doing more.
With so much going on in the world, so much to do and be, why would anyone want to focus on stillness? Because that’s what Jesus Christ did.
In this episode, authors of The Practice of Stillness Carrie Skarda and Jacob Hess share their focus on mindfulness and how we can get away from our “frantic doing” and do more with God by doing less.
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