Breathing

I've been running / jogging quite a bit lately.

As I continue to stretch my endurance and the duration of my ability to keep moving forward, I've noticed that I'm able to keep making progress if I don't focus on moving forward.

There is a mental hurdle that crops up for me when I run if I focus on my legs and my progress. It's harder to run longer if I'm placing my attention on the pain in my legs, the stop watch, or objects off in the distance.

I have found it useful to take my mind of time and strain by focusing my thoughts and energy on each individual breath. That's right--every breath.

When I focus on bringing air fully into my lungs and the exhaling smoothly and freely, it takes my mind of what discourages me and what impairs my ability to make progress. After coaching my wife through the natural birth of three sons, I finally understand the principles of all those Lamaze classes we took in preparation for labor.

The focus of my attention on breathing helps me stay focussed right in the "now". When I focus on this simple--and natural---process of breathing, my endurance increases. And as my endurance increases, so does my physical ability.

How does this all apply to spirituality?

When we face long-term and difficult situations in life, maybe there is value in focusing on the presence off God in the moment. With each breath--pulling air in and pushing air out--we can focus our attention on drawing the presence of the Holy Spirit into our being.

Instead of trying to look forward at the insurmountable obstacles in front of us, maybe it is a better idea to focus on the presence of God in the moment. "I don't sense God's presence", you say? Breath in deeply. Feel the oxygen expand your lungs. Know that as real as that sensation is, God is also fully present and with you in the moment. He wants to fill you and expand your spirit to give you the strength and the energy to withstand that moment.

Instead of focusing on the slow passage of time during a difficult situations, don't dwell on the clock. Focus on God who is as dependable as that next breath you draw into your body.

As we draw our attention to the Father, with every breath, every step of the way, know that you are making progress. Know that God is sustaining you, training you, maintaining you as you make progress.

The terrain may be steep in front of you. The challenge may seem too much. Don't focus on the pain.

Depend on him in every breath. Pray his presence with every step. He wants to help you and hold you up, if you'll give him your attention.