Staying Centered

It has been a busy week. Yesterday my morning was quite hectic and the afternoon was spent visiting co-workers who are now working from home. It was nice to be out of the office but now I am even more behind. When my workday ended I barely had time to eat some dinner, go home, and get changed before leaving for a meeting at my church. It was the kind of jam packed, over booked day that I usually don't like. Somehow, in the midst of it all, I was able to remain centered and calm. I find myself turning inward frequently when I am feeling overwhelmed. In a manner of speaking my heart is the eye of the hurricane that my life sometimes resembles. I realize that what I consider a busy or hectic day might seem like a day off for others. It's all relative. I am not a white water rafter. I prefer that my life doesn't feel like I am always shooting the rapids. I prefer a calm and steady flow. Unfortunately for me, life is seldom a calm, steady flow all of the time, at least on the surface. That's why it is very important to be calm on the inside. Being centered spiritually helps me maintain some equilibrium in my life. When I am not centered, I am off balance and can easily become rattled and stressed. When my inner calm is compromised , and I am not centered, it's like trying to stand on one leg. I am off balance and can quickly tumble over. It's like a spiritual inner ear infection. The room and my life seem to be spinning. Yesterday was busy and my body was spinning a bit but inside I was calm. I am grateful for that.

Today is the feast of St Francis of Assisi. He is my favorite holy man and has been my entire life. He was a simple but joyous man. He is the saint of ecology and patron of animals. He is remembered by many for his peace prayer. Here is an excerpt from it.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.