Living the Present Moment … in time of Political and Social Stress

Present, Not Panicked!

For us Christians, one of the paths to encountering and loving God is through the present moment. The term “mindfulness” refers to a practice that enables us to grow in awareness of this very moment. Mindfulness helps us become fully conscious of the Present Moment, which is exactly where we meet God.

Imagine the Stoic Emperor Marcus Aurelius writing in his personal reflections two thousand years ago, unaware that you would one day read his words. In his profound work “Meditations,” he captured an insight by quoting Plato:

“How beautifully Plato put it. Whenever you want to talk about people, it’s best to take a bird’s-eye view and see everything all at once—gatherings, armies, farms, weddings and divorces, births and deaths, noisy courtrooms or silent spaces, every foreign people, holidays, memorials, markets—all blended together and arranged in a pairing of opposites.” – (Meditations, 7.48)

Today, we live in a world more interconnected and tumultuous than ever, constantly inundated with news and opinions, often starkly divided and presented as opposites. Social media, news feeds, and even our phones offer an endless stream of information, distractions, and emotional triggers. Like Marcus Aurelius suggested, we must rise above it all in our minds, seeing the vast array of human experiences without becoming emotionally ensnared by them.

As followers of Christ, how do we navigate this complex landscape without succumbing to anxiety, anger, or despair? How do we stay informed yet remain grounded in peace? The key lies in mindfulness—a practice that harmonizes beautifully with Christian spirituality.

Mindfulness: Observing Without Judgment, Releasing with Trust

Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, calmly observing thoughts, emotions, and external events without judgment, allowing us to gently release anxiety and attachment. Rather than quickly labeling political news or events as “good” or “bad,” mindfulness invites us to observe with calm discernment and entrust everything to God’s sovereign plan.

Jesus himself embodied this mindful approach when He said in Matthew 6:34, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” His invitation was not toward passivity or ignorance but toward spiritual awareness that liberates us from worry. Jesus calls us to place our ultimate security not in human institutions or political outcomes but in God’s unchanging love.

The Emotional Weight of Political Anxiety

Political stress is a genuine concern for many people today. Constant exposure to negative or divisive news can trigger chronic stress responses, leading to anxiety, frustration, and hopelessness. From a Christian perspective, such emotional strain hinders our ability to embody Christ’s peace and love effectively. Instead of trusting in God’s ultimate sovereignty, we can find ourselves overly reliant on human efforts, causing our faith to waver.

Embracing Mindfulness in Times of Political Unrest

By incorporating mindfulness into our political and social awareness, we remain present without being swept away by negative emotions. Here’s how you can apply it:

1. Observe Before Reacting

Mindfulness trains us to pause before responding. When distressing news arises, take a breath, observe without judgment, acknowledge your emotions, and then respond with thoughtful prayer rather than immediate reaction.

2. Mindful Media Engagement

One major contributor to political anxiety is relentless media consumption. Practice mindfulness by:

• Setting clear boundaries around news intake.
• Selecting trustworthy, balanced sources.
• Taking regular breaks from screens to reflect and pray.

3. Ground Yourself in Prayer and Scripture

In turbulent times, Scripture reassures us of God’s steadfast presence. Merge mindfulness with Christian practice by reflecting on verses like:

• John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…”
• Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything…”

Meditate on these words to foster internal peace amidst external turmoil.

4. Engage Compassionately

Mindfulness reminds us to see beyond politics and recognize the humanity in others. Engage in political conversations with compassion, patience, and empathy, embodying Christ’s commandment to love our neighbors—especially those we disagree with.

5. Surrender What You Cannot Control

Feelings of powerlessness often accompany political anxiety. Mindfulness teaches us to discern our responsibilities and let go of what lies beyond our influence, entrusting it to God.

Practice a simple breath prayer:

• Inhale: “Lord, I trust You.”
• Exhale: “I release my worries to You.”

This act of letting go is not resignation but active faith.

Conclusion: Embracing Peace Amidst Chaos

As Christians, we are called to be a calming, constructive presence in the world. Mindfulness does not call us to ignore reality but empowers us to engage it from a place of trust and peace. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, take that bird’s-eye view—recognize the world’s complexity without becoming emotionally entangled.

You have already chosen a path that will endure all of life’s fluctuations—weddings and divorces, births and deaths, turmoil and tranquility. The world is indeed busy and demanding, constantly pulling at your attention.

Yet, you matter immensely, now and always. The world’s turbulence underscores the importance of embracing this moment. Waiting for a “better time” is an illusion.

We never shall have any more time. We have, and we have always had, all the time there is.”

So, breathe. Observe. Pray. Let your faith guide you, knowing that in God’s kingdom, peace reigns supreme.

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