Isolation and Bellybutton Contemplation

Moms have a way of asking oddly pertinent questions.  My mom used to ask me, “  Are you contemplating your bellybutton?”  My reply was usually something smart.  Normally mom would ask me this when I was quiet bordering on unusually quiet.  What was I doing?  I was attempting to find some form of isolation to recharge my internal batteries.  While making the attempt was a good think for a teenager (or anyone for that matter), I did not go far enough to ensure that I would not be interrupted.  Here are some of my recommendations for recharging yourself.

1.)  Shut off the technology.

What!!!!  You mean the world will not go to hell in a handbasket if they cannot reach me for a period of time?  No, the world will be just fine.  Shutting off the telephones, televisions, computers and other tech goodies for a period of time will help you to refocus on your priorities, not everybody who interrupts your time.  If you are going to contemplate your navel (bellybutton) then spend the time with yourself.  You may be surprised by the results.

2.)  Meditation is a good “think.”  This is focusing your thoughts and something that the Bible tells us to do all the time  (See Phil 4:8 NLT and Jos 1:8).  Focus on the Word of God by both reading it and speaking it out loud until you are ready to listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say to you.

3.)  Relax.  If you have already budgetted this time for yourself then there is no hurry to push through the time.  Our culture is one of NOW.  Relaxing and recharging always take time to if you want the proper results.  If this is time just to give God another “Shopping List” of prayers, you need to schedule more time so that you can relax yourself enough to listen.

I also recommend that you do this on a regular schedule.  Appoint a when and a where in your weekly schedule to recharge yourself.  Regularity (in this case) is a good thing.