First steps

Focused prayer is not unattainable...it just takes some practice  and INTENTION to do it. We can all do things we really want to do, and learning to focus during prayer is one of them. So what is prayer, anyway? What is focus?

I like the definition of prayer that says it is communication with God. It's not some recitation of a to-do, or want list, but an exchange with God. Have you ever been talking with someone when they suddenly zone out and you know they are thinking about something else? How often we all do this during prayer....we start off OK then our thoughts suddenly switch to something else. It happens. The thing to do is be aware of this and then immediately switch back to focusing on our conversation with God.

And what is focus? Think about an archer....Focus is true concentration on the 'task' at hand...in this case the task is hitting the mark. If she looks away or loses concentration, someone might get hurt and she certainly will not hit her mark. If we concentrate on talking with our God during prayer like an archer focuses on their mark, just think how much we will grow in our walk with God. And That, is what I believe to be the main objective of prayer...not the gaining of things, or even the answers we seek to our prayers, but finding a closer, deeper, richer relationship with God....reaching higher and allowing God to live more fully in our lives, so God receives the honor and glory.

So, today as you pray, when you find your thoughts wandering, bring them back and keep your eye on the mark....the bull's eye...focused prayer.

Focused prayers

I've changed the address of this blog, and thus its intent, to focused prayer. This is for Christians and others who are tired of feeling their prayers are rote, or that they are just saying words into the air. Prayer is so much more than that. Getting into a place where you can focus your mind and heart, cast away inteferences and really connect with God is vital to effective and powerful prayer.

I've learned the 'tips' that I'm sharing by many years of experience. They work.

When you are praying in church or at home, are you actually also thinking about your shopping list, where you will have Sunday dinner, or any number of other things unrelated to the words you are saying? Most people would agree this is exactly what happens. When we are 'supposed' to be addressing the God of heaven and earth, we are actually thinking of other things....how effective are those prayers? Yes, God knows the thoughts and prayers of our heart, but prayer is so much more than just asking God for things. God is not Santa Claus, or the Wizard of Oz, or even Dr Oz.

In the posts to follow, I will share specific tips you can do...simple and easy-to-follow, that will help your prayer time, your communications with God, enliven your life, put new spark into your faith, and help change your life for God's glory.

Apologies

My surgery on the 12th was more extensive than anticipated. I will be back as soon as possible.

Coming soon

Next week I will have surgery. That is a valid excuse for stress, right? Perhaps, but a positive attitude and spending time in self-hypnosis/deep relaxation is very helpful. I've done it before. Being stress-free may help the meds and procedures to go more smoothly because my body will be relaxed and not 'fighting' the surgeon. Last time, I practiced deep relaxation and was quite calm and relaxed prior to surgery. I also plan to get a massage as close to the surgery as possible - unless it's scheduled for early morning, of course.
Tomorrow, I will post a step-by-step relaxation exercise to prepare for surgery.

In the meantime, I will enjoy today's beautiful sunshine.

Advice

You can get advice on relaxing, self-hypnosis, meditation, imaging, and positive affirmations, and you can read or listen to experts tell you what to do and what to expect. You may believe it or not. You may feel it's all a bunch of hocus-pocus that only works for a few, susceptible people. Or you can actually DO it and find out for yourself the many benefits from deep relaxation and focus. It's not difficult for most people, and takes a few moments of time to begin to enjoy those benefits. during the next minute you can begin to free yourself of tension.
Clench your teeth...hard!
Relax them.
Clench again..hard!!! 
Relax.
Decide you prefer relaxed to clenched. Let that relaxation flow to your cheeks and jaw. Now, keep it that way.
Check yourself now and then during the day and if your teeth feel clenched or achy, undo the stress that has built up. You alone can do this. You alone can choose to be filled with tension...or not!

YOU are in control of your own thoughts and mind and can choose the direction of your thoughts.
Please choose life-affirming, healthy thoughts that lead to your well-being in all aspects of your life. 

Let him that would move the world first move himself.
- Socrates

Make small, frequent adjustments in your thoughts and physical state, and begin to move your world.

Enter for YOU

Need some peace and relaxation? You are at the right place.
Life is stressful and busy, and most of us could use a healthy dose of positive affirmation, belief and faith, and relaxation.
Do you notice your jaw often feels tight? Maybe your teeth even seem to ache. Perhaps you have frequent headaches. Stomach aches?
Many times, because we are so stressed-out and tense, our bodies react with dis-ease....discomfort and tightness. We ache and hurt inside and out.
By learning to relax and focus on the wellness of body, soul and spirit, you may help yourself enjoy improved physical health, relationships, and in general, a new and improved version of YOU!

This blog will give you specific steps to take to relax that tense body. We will explore ways to focus, use your imagination, and believe your life can improve! Today. Beginning NOW with the deep, slow breaths you are taking as you let go of all that tension in your neck and upper shoulders..... Let them feel warm and soft. Focus on how good it feels to relax those muscles.
They were tight but are becoming like melted butter.
Doesn't that feel good?

A thought for you today:

WHAT YOU THINK IS WHAT YOU ARE

Proverbs 23:7

Peaceful relaxation

Look at and focus on the white starry center above.

Take a nice, slow, deep breath. Hold it.

Exhale and Relax.

Repeat holding your breath a little longer. Exhale, Relax.

Repeat holding your breath as long as you can, Exhale. Relax. 

Let the muscles of your neck and shoulders relax while repeating the steps above.....

Now unclench your jaw and relax all the muscles of your face.

ahhhhhhh.

Enjoy a sense of peaceful relxation of your head, face, neck and shoulders.

Allow yourself to enjoy this peaceful and pleasant sensation for the remainder of your day.