THURSDAY THOUGHTS - The Tranquility of a Calm Mind

Guest Post:

This last month has been a technological nightmare for me. I have been trying to trouble shoot why my home computer will not work. The internet people told me the problem was with my computer. The computer repair shop told us that the computer hooked right up to the internet while they were fixing it, implying that the problem was with the internet service. We even had a special friend who fixes computers come and try to see where the problem was. Those that know me realize that my relationship with technology is strained at best. Finally, I disconnected our internet service so that I was not paying $50 per month for nothing, to buy ourselves some time to solve this dilemma. I have the internet at work so we are still reasonably connected.

When this silly problem began to affect my sleep, I realized that something was wrong with me. I know the world we live in now is busy, noisy, and stress filled, and at times a stupid computer problem such as this is just enough to push me over the edge. In her book, “The Woman’s Book of Soul,” Sue Patton Thoele states:

“It is in the silence of a quiet mind that our spirits make themselves known to us. In the tranquility of a calm mind, we become aware of the murmurs of our soul and learn to appreciate the wisdom of our hearts.”

As I read this I realized that my mind was anything but quiet and that I had lost all perspective regarding this computer scenario. With the frantic pace of society these days, it becomes a challenge for many of us to find solace and comfort. We have jobs, families, fitness goals, social gatherings, traffic jams, church responsibilities, countless appointments and the list goes on. So when a stupid computer glitch (or something of a serious nature) arises it can spell D I S A S T E R to those of us who are over thinkers anyway.

Indra Devi, author of, “Renewing Your Life Through Yoga,” gives a beautiful description of a quiet mind: “Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed. A ghost of a wind- and the rippling waters will distort the reflection; a storm, and the reflection disappears altogether.”

As I began to take a few deep breaths and slow down a bit, this computer problem began to take on its true perspective. I thought of the many people I know who are battling Cancer and other serious health issues. I recalled and evaluated my PGC (Patience Gratitude Contentment) quotient and found it lacking. Perhaps the Lord knows first hand the storms and rough waters we face in this day and time. In the scriptures we read, “Be Still and know that I am God.” These words, simply put, hold wisdom for the ages. This morning I walked in my computer room, glanced at that infuriating machine, chuckled, and walked out. I knew that all would be well.

Kathy Christensen

Survivor, Member of Lifting Hearts