It seems that St. Teresa of Avila is known for one particular piece of advice, which she shared in almost every piece of her writing. She suggests, “Do not tire your brain by trying to work it during meditation.” (found here, para 1) In other words, don’t overthink it. That must be why I’m not very good at meditation!
I wish I was just kidding with that one, but I have a terrible habit of overthinking things. I could retire a wealthy woman if I had a nickel for every time my husband has pointed out that maybe I’m overthinking something. That’s partly why it takes me so long to fall asleep at night; I have trouble turning off my brain.
Somehow, I’m sure that I am not alone in this way. I think a lot of us are so caught up in our typically busy lives, that it is difficult to slow down for even a few minutes of prayer and meditation. But I think that is what we need to do. It is certainly a goal for me. Don’t we all need to simplify our lives?
So that is what I’m going to try to do today. Let’s just bask in the simplicity of quiet time listening to what God has to say. As St. Teresa also wrote, “Prayer is nothing more than spending a long time alone with the one I know loves me” (found here, para 7) So let’s do that today. And if it helps, grab a prayer journal. I’m often surprised what comes to me when I’m writing it down. …just don’t overthink it!
Lord Jesus, teach us to pray. Draw us ever closer to You, and help us to simplify our thoughts so that we can be truly open to hear what You want to say.