This morning as I was doing my prayer walking, somehow my wild mind decides to take a detour from my usual path. I caught it instantly and shift back my focus. I need the stillness in mind to quite down, to listen to my inner voice and not let the external environment (a different path) to distract me. The physical environment (garden in my case) helps me to calm down, slow down my breathing and most importantly prepare me for my prayers. The moment I catch myself hurrying the process as it to rush off and complete the ritual, I hold back, slow down my pace, take a deep breath and realign once more.
The daily affirmation must be injected with feelings, mixed it thoroughly and not just saying it for the sake of saying. That won't help if the body and mind does not align. The feelings is the most important part. Evidence could be feeling your muscle tense, breathing harder, clenching your fist, maybe cry, etc. This differs from individuals to individuals so it cannot be apply to all. Make it counts, I think is the most important aspect of this prayer walking each day. The more we slow down and listen, the clearer the message becomes.
For example, this morning, I realised the one goal that I naturally and easily think about the most is my house with the garden. This starting point is easy for me to relate as I enjoy growing my own plants and watching them grow. The process is not only therapeutic but also a calming one. Strangely, they do not talk nor smile at me, but I treat them like my babies, giving them tender loving care. I prayed each day for the abundant foilage, healthy looking plants and free from all pests that might take away their lives. I kept a mental image of the greenery, mixture of flowers and trees, birds chirping behind and the peaceful feelings it generate in my heart. How sweet to spend each day doing what you truly love.
Initially, I was a little upset with some seeds and plants that died or could not sprout. I did some study on the internet but could not find much answer. Then I practised my 321 method and prayed daily, seeing the lustful green that I wanted, the smile that puts on my face and the tranquil surrounding that I enjoyed. I breath in the air and thank God for his wonderful creation and then I let it go.
Genesis 1:29-30Then God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food"; and it was so.
This verse could probably be my catalysts to pursue a vegetarian lifestyle and I have not looked back since. I believe God created many healing plants and herbs that man can use if he bothers to spend time with Nature and discovered his amazing healing power than to rely on western medicine of antibiotics and supplements that proclaimed to do wonders to one's health. Living healthy need not be an expensive options.
Cheers to our health. I am 120 years old , how about you?