Listening in the Spaces
OBJECTIVE
To re-center ourselves during pauses or transitions throughout the day so we become more aware of God’s presence in the world around us.In Joan Chittister’s book about Benedictine spirituality, Wisdom Distilled from the Daily (New York: HarperCollins, 1990), she explains that members of the community stop outside the chapel for a few minutes before entering for prayer. “The practice of statio is meant to center us and make us conscious of what we’re about to do and make us present to God who is present to us. Statio is the desire to do consciously what I might otherwise do mechanically. Statio is the virtue of presence.”
PROCESS
Using this Christian practice, we can reframe the many transition times and places we experience during the day. Instead of regarding them as wasted periods, unavoidable delays or inconveniences, we can see them as divine invitations to stop, to re-center ourselves, and to become more aware of God’s presence in the world around us. We can use transitions as opportunities to contemplate what matters to us, to give thanks for all the gifts from the Creator and to connect with our loved ones.
Here are suggestions on how to weave a sacred pause or statio into your daily life:
- Pause outside your door as you leave for work or school. Say quietly to yourself: “This is a day the Lord has made. I will watch for God’s presence in my life today. I will stay open to the grace of God.”
- Before leaving your car, train, bicycle, or bus say a silent prayer for all those you have passed on your journey that they may know health, happiness, peace, and well-being. Repeat this statio practice as you leave a restaurant or a store.
- When entering your workplace focus on your day. Say a prayer of blessing on your work, the service to your employer, and the world at large. Think about the people you will meet during the day and give thanks for their support and creativity. If you are in conflict with a co-worker, ask that you may be forgiving and forgiven.
- Before entering a doctor or dentist’s office for an appointment or the gym for your workout, thank your body for being such a faithful and constant companion. Know and accept that God cherishes every hair on your head.
- When returning home pause before entering your home. Be aware of the moment’s importance as you move from the outside world into the space of your home. Leave on your doorstep any stresses, problems, or unfinished business of the day. (You can always pick them up again the next morning!) If you share your home with others, remember what you are bringing to them—the fruits of your labor, perhaps, but most important, your loving presence. Use this refreshing pause to prepare for a blessed reunion with them.
PROCESS TIP
Be patient as you develop the skill of pausing and taking the time to see and hear God in the world around you. It will take time and practice to stop, listen, and observe moments often taken for granted. It will take practice to release daily cares so you do not fill these moments with worry and planning for the day…these should be moments of statio.