‘Be still and know that I am God’ Ps 46.10

Welcome to a new year of many new beginnings, new encounters and perhaps new contexts and relationships. Our expectations, goals and dreams will hopefully come to fruition in the busy-ness of our every day lives. In the midst of all this activity let us make space in our lives to experience serenity and peace of mind – important for the health of our body, mind and spirit.

To be tranquil, unperturbed and at peace are qualities that I am sure each one of us desires in times of challenge at home, at work, in our communities and our world.

As a giver and receiver of the First Spiritual Exercises, God’s Field Hospital and Stillness Meditation Therapy, I have come to know and appreciate the gift of stillness, and frequently start my daily prayer with God’s invitation to be still and be in God’s loving presence.

In my Interfaith Network Ministry, I am constantly reminded of the benefits of meditation/contemplation and how it can transform our lives and our thinking, to create a more peaceful and enlightened consciousness – a transformation of consciousness. Surely, this is what Jesus wants of us when he says: ‘Follow me…’

We have been blessed with the knowledge and words of Jesus when he reminds his followers: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid.’ John 14:27

Let us sit with these words of Jesus and take them to heart. Let us touch the heart of quiet peace, desiring serenity and choosing the way of serenity, being led by the good spirit into God’s arms so that we are able to reach out to those who need tranquility now.

Ignatius has given us an excellent tool to help us gain this serenity in the Daily Awareness Examen as we seek to find God in all things and all people. Let us open ourselves to the Spirit of Serenity and be instruments of God’s peace wherever we find ourselves in this New Year.

Blessings of peace and serenity to all our JISA Companions.

With thanks to Anita Davine for this contribution to the JISA Discernment Series. Anita is a Giver of the First Spiritual Exercises and God’s Field Hospital at national and local levels. She is an Exec. member of the Greater City of Dandenong Interfaith Network, a Tour Guide to Worshipping Places, and Stillness Meditation Therapy Teacher.