mindfulness / attention meditation

“It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

When something bothers you, but you don't pay attention to it, you're sapping your strength, and you may even end up inattentively going down a slippery slope. When you have any sense of annoyance or tension in yourself, take time to ask Holy Spirit to show you WHAT is the annoyance. It could be as mundane as a car beeper going off outside, a crick in your neck, someone pressuring you, or as serious as a betrayal or any illness. Ask Holy Spirit to show you the problem then FOCUS on the annoyance. Don't get sucked into it - don't get angry, don't worry or fret. Instead, become curious about it. Just wait and watch and totally immerse yourself in the experience, while you are intentionally handing it over to Jesus. Allow the annoyance or the pain to just be there without reacting to it or judging it. Thank Him for taking care of it. Be curious and be grateful. Then when you are ready - let it go. Oftentimes, being physical helps to let something go. If you're angry, dance or jump. If you're tense, yawn and stretch. If during this exercise you notice a tension pain in your body, just focus on it and relax and release it, thank Jesus for healing you. Know you're always somewhere in the 23rd Psalm.