Be still and feel

I am grateful for the power of peace I felt as I went outside on a revelatory run a few months ago. I had been seeking guidance from God to know how I could slow down, be more present with my family and not feel like life was always on fast forward. I decided to decrease my running speed to a pondering pace. I started walking and thinking about what I could do to improve my current circumstances. My Grandmother had taught me that “the hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” So, as I continued on my walk, I felt impressed to ask God, in prayer (see James 1:5-6), what He would have me do to feel less rushed and have more peace in my life. The answer came to my mind and heart, “be still and feel.” I felt heavenly help had inspired my mind with this thought.

With the current feelings of uncertainty, conflict and confusion afflicting so many people due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time to pray. Even though there may be an abundance of panic and pressures, there can be moments when the power of peace prevails as we choose to be still and feel.

A few days ago, I took the time to sit on a couch in my home by the crackling fire. My daughter came over and cuddled up next to me. We stayed there together, being still, listening, and feeling love in the morning light. If I had been on my regular routine that morning, I would have likely been “nexting.” I often go through my days thinking about what is next on my list of to-do’s when I could be peacefully present in the moment life delivers. I had been presented a moment to show love to my daughter or spend time figuring out how I’m going to create a new school schedule for my children next week since schools are closed. I chose to show love and leave the problem of school schedules for another time. Rather than feeling like we have so many problems to solve during these trying times, consider these words spoken by Thomas S. Monson: “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.”

We can feel more love for those around us as we choose to be still and feel. We can be still and feel more love for God. We can choose to be still and feel more love for and peace from Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. His ministering message helps us hold on to hope and press on.”Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

Last week, as I was preparing dinner for my family, I noticed the warm sunlight shining on a hymn book that was on my piano. The hymnbook was open, and the light reflecting off the white page was vibrant. I continued preparing dinner but felt pulled towards the light. So, I walked over to the piano to see what song was trying to get my attention. The sunlight was shining on the hopeful hymn: “Be Still My Soul.” The first verse invites us to be still and feel: “Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side; with patience bear thy cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide; in every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul; Thy best, thy heavenly Friend, thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end” (Text: Katharina von Schlegel, b. 1697).

As we take time to still our souls to feel enlightened, impressions will inspire us to know how to take care of ourselves and how to bring stillness to other souls that are suffering. Earlier this week, a dear friend of mine was informed that her business would be shutting down for at least a month due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt the burden of being unemployed and needed a loving lift. So, my son and I recruited a few of his friends to go over and shovel her snow-packed driveway while she wasn’t home. My husband and daughter joined in the snow removal, so the job got done quickly. We finished right before my friend drove up. She was so surprised and grateful. Her soul rejoiced! And our joy was full! We had felt impressed that night to turn off the distraction of our devices and the noise of the news to go and serve a soul on that silent, snowy night. We would have missed that opportunity if we had not taken a brief moment to be still and feel.

So, if you are seeking to feel the power of peace, seek Christ. Listen to His words. He will lead you to others that need you. Remember to pace yourself as you press forward with full faith in our Savior so that you can feel heaven’s help guiding you. If you are still, you will hear Him (Mark 9:7). Be still and feel.

Kary Hafen has lived in Wasilla for 12 years. She enjoys running, hiking, singing, and baking cookies. Kary is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.