2026-2-19

Perhaps you want to be more proactive about preventing future health problems. Perhaps you have noticed that your energy is sapped. Or perhaps your affliction is something far more grave: organ failure or a cancer diagnosis.

The first step is always the same. The first step is developing a habit of contemplative alone time. This could be prayer, chant, or meditation. It could be a brisk hike in a secluded area. It could be yoga in a dark, quiet room. If you are in the hospital, it may entail putting on music to mask the “beeps” and to let your loved ones and the nurses know that, if possible, you’d like to have some time without interruption.

Why is it that this would be the first step? Because without time, space, and energy, we cannot discern what to do. Doctors may provide an array of options. How do you feel about these options? This kind of discernment is not instantaneous. On the other hand, you may have realized your health has been deteriorating in unexpected ways. Perhaps there are other related patterns in your life that have gone unnoticed. Perhaps there are aspects of healing that have gone unmentioned by your health care provider. For example, it could be that one important ingredient of healing will be other people or a communal gathering such as a church service. Perhaps there are pieces of your spiritual life that have been neglected.

Taking time away each day is hard. Temptations abound, as we all know. To mention just one: there is the temptation to scroll. There will be the pull to “Google” your issue, problem, or concern. There could be the thought that asking ChatGPT would provide some magic bullet solution. Sure, you can use these things. But don’t let them take the place of listening deeply, of noticing the mysterious voice of the Holy Spirit in your life.

I once heard that children spell love t-i-m-e. Love yourself enough to spend time in true, deep, contemplative discernment. And just to be concrete about it, I recommend 45 minutes a day. This would be time when you have nothing else you must focus on: no kids, no dog, no smart phone notifications, and nothing on the stove. And no driving! (Please don’t meditate while driving!)