At the W&M Trayvon Martin Vigil

Devotional Advices for the Care of the Soul in This World

by Rev. Dr. Joanne Braxton, The Wren Portico, College of William and Mary

March 27, 2012

“And shall I prime my children, pray, to pray?” Gwendolyn Brooks

Remember that the struggle is long, and that taking care of the soul in this life begins with thought and attitude and the care of your mortal frame, for, in this life, the body is the dwelling place of the spirit.

Practice Gratitude. Every day that you open your eyes give thanks for your eyes, your hands, your feet, your heart.

Know that you are not alone. You stand in covenantal relationship with those who have gone before. No matter how alone you feel, you have membership in an intergenerational community that seeks justice, humanity and wholeness for all people. You are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses,” the living and the dead.

Know yourself. Be the person that you profess yourself to be; make your actions consistent with your words.

Seek the company of persons who know you to be the person that you profess yourself to be; build community among them.

Live ethically, no matter what others around you are doing. Practice kindness universally, yet still be steadfast in the quest for justice.

Listen deeply. Listen to the stories of others. Really hear what they have to say.

Practice compassion, beginning with yourself. Don’t be afraid to apologize. Practice the art of apology as a spiritual discipline.

Take care of your bodies. Exercise. Practice “mindful eating” so that others may eat. Get enough sleep. Sleep regulates a number of bodily functions, and lessens stress.

Pause for reflection. Ask, “Am I living a life that honors the community that raised me? Am I listening to the wisdom of the elders?”

Seek beauty. Engage with art that reflects “your one wild and precious life.” If there are no images that reflect your beauty in your university museum, find the next museum down the road. Borrow books about African art from the library. Spend long hours looking at African masks. Be the mask when necessary.

Spend time caring for an older person; be a blessing, receive a blessing.

Adopt a contemplative practice. If you pray, try a new prayer form like lectio divina or the four stranded garland. If you meditate, try walking meditation.

Breathe, always breathe, remembering that breath is life. When you feel stressed, and can’t think, drop your shoulders and take three deep breaths. And keep breathing. Remember that taking care of your soul in this world begins with breath.