The Centering Song…

I have always had a hard time sitting still for long lengths of time. Now that I think about it, this might be part of the reason my own children find it impossible to sit still, even for brief amounts of time, in highchairs, booster seats, on the couch, in the stroller, in a shopping cart, etc. We have a fidgeting gene.

I also have an anti-relaxation gene. This doesn’t mean I can’t ever relax, it just means I don’t naturally live in a “chilled out” state. Some might call it high-strung. I prefer to think of it as high-efficiency (much like the latest washing machines). I can sit still and relax, but I’m going to need a lot of time… or a little medicine 😉 to get there.

For these reasons, I have always had a difficult time staying focused during prayer. There is an ancient practice known as Centering Prayer that has been used for centuries for Christian meditation. To practice this type of prayer, you are simply supposed to sit in a comfortable position, still and relaxed, while you focus on one sacred word (“Jesus,” “Love,” “Savior,” “Spirit,” etc.) until only that word is on your mind. The goal is that you be able to shut out all distractions and quiet your inner self~your thoughts and consciousness~so that you can experience God’s presence within you personally and powerfully.

Unfortunately, this type of contemplative prayer does not come easily for all of us. I don’t usually get past the “sit still and relaxed” part, and this derails the whole experience. Also, my inner self is loud and hyperactive, so it takes an extra long time to quiet it. But, I think the end result of the Centering Prayer–an acute awareness of Christ’s presence–would be wonderful and meaningful and helpful.

So, I’ve been thinking about trying to implement this practice in a different, more do-able way this season. Granted my way is not a historical practice and may not be nearly as profound. But, I think it can still serve a similar purpose. Since I may not be able to embrace the Centering Prayer, I’m going to practice a Centering Song.

When I think about the busyness of the Christmas season and all the extra demands and stresses it sometimes places on us, I know I need some grounding… some time to re-focus… some centering.

Silence is kind of an anomaly around here, but we can do music. I’m a huge fan of Christmas music in particular. Over the years, I’ve built a pretty good collection of Christmas albums. We have the old standards like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, modern classics like Mariah Carey and James Taylor, some Harry Connick, Vince Guaraldi, Mannheim Steamroller, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, some country Christmas, some kids Christmas, etc., etc. We could play a different song from now until Christmas, and I’d enjoy most every one of them.

But in the midst of all this festive music, there are a few songs that really make me stop and think… the type of songs that almost demand a certain reverence. This year, it’s one in particular. It’s Bebo Norman’s Come and Worship. And, this is going to be my Centering Song for the season.

Somewhere in the midst of decking the halls and malls and getting ready for Santa Claus to come to town, I want to intentionally pause and Come and Worship. Whether I’m driving, or decorating, or cleaning, or coloring, I need to occasionally and repeatedly listen to that song. (I would add “when I’m cooking,” but let’s be honest, I can’t pause and do anything else when I’m cooking because I’m concentrating much too hard). But, when I can… Come and Worship. Because that’s what it’s all about. It’s what all the hustle and bustle is for. It’s all that really matters. It’s the reason for the season. It’s the purpose of our existence. To come. And worship.

I, of course, would love for my children to participate in the Centering Song with me. But, I’m realizing that 2 and 3-year olds can’t quite yet comprehend my need for meaningful lyrics and sacred songs. What they can experience, though, is the benefit of a centered mother. And, that’s what I want to be.

If you’re anything like me and contemplation and meditation are a challenge, let’s pick a song… a Centering Song… and play it until we’re singing it in our sleep this season.