Time Out in the Rat Race

Ever think about "getting away from it all"? You might want to reconsider. Scientists discovered that laboratory rats exposed to only one week of conditions simulating modern city life- flashing lights, loud noice, crowding, and so on - demonstrate signs of irritability, aggressiveness, and permanent hyper-tension (high blood pressure). Imagine what these conditions do to humans over the course of time!

External stress from noise pollution by radio, TV, street sounds, sirens, nearby conversations, etc. is coupled with internal stress of worry, fear, distractions, deadline pressures, etc. to make our lives seem like a pressure-cooker existence. We get so accustomed to such pressures that for some,
structured quietude" can cause boredom and even anxiety. Yet, like water in a clear spring, or pure fresh mountain air, a program of regular exterior and interior quiet can be spiritually refreshing as well as therapeutic. That is why all religious traditions emphasize the need of at least periodic withdrawal from life's frenetic pace.

Two suggestions: Make full use of the naturally occurring moments of silence that lend themselves to serene meditation; and second, set aside a period of fifteen minutes or a half-hour each day to communicate with God (Read Matthew 6:6). I know a woman who sets her alarm a half hour earlier for this purpose, and an office worker who takes a daily "prayer break" with his lunch break at a nearly park. Read how Jesus did it (see Luke 5:15-16; 6:12). You can too.

Quiet, you'll like it.

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net