My mom came with me to Boston for the day. We had some time between my scans and the doctors appointments so I always love taking a stroll around Boston Common. While we were there we took a seat on a bench and just sat in silence enjoying the view. At one point my Mom said, “this is so lovely, but all this traffic behind us is distracting.” I sat and realized I hadn’t noticed the noise of the traffic and said, “I guess it matters where we put out attention.”

In this particular moment the words I said were potent to my heart because as I waited to learn about my scans, I realized I had a choice to focus on the ‘traffic noise’ of fear of the unknown, or to give my focus to the present moment with my Mom in this beautiful place. Thankfully, the latter was where I was able to put my focus.

If you too have trouble at times putting your focus on what will bring you peace, I get it as I am imperfect at this practice myself. I invite you to join me to…

pause. breathe. pray.™

Let’s be sure we don’t dismiss the ‘noise,’ let us acknowledge it and choose not to give it our focus. Instead let’s turn our attention to something that will help us. For example, on the park bench yesterday I acknowledged the presence of the unknown and fear of the cancer returning, but I recognized focusing on that was not helpful. So instead I chose to turn my attention to my mom, the leaves, the trees, the flowers, and absorb what was known in front of me, and I pray you can do the same.

Did my mind stray? Of course. I am human.

So I chose again…and again… to acknowledge the ‘noise’ of fear and then turned away from it. And in time I stopped thinking about the fear and was able to be fully present in the moment. And I pray the same happens for you too.

With love and hope,
Shawn

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."- 1 Corinthians 10:13