When athletes perform exceptionally,
they talk about being in a zone which I call the “God zone.” According to
a February 19, 2010 article by the American Psychological Association, Dr.
Shane Murphy says, “What’s fascinating is that we find that athletes often
don’t need to be perfect to succeed. Being in the “zone” isn’t about
perfection as much as it is about staying in the moment, not worrying about
failure, and not worrying about what the result might be. I find every
athlete to be unique in their approach to that “zone,” but they use some
combination of psychological skills such as visualization, goal-setting,
concentration, relaxation or mindfulness, psyching up, positive self-talk and
developing a consistent routine in order to get there. Once they’re ready, they
focus and let it happen. Their bodies are prepared to succeed – usually it’s
the mind that can get in the way – if you let it.”
You’ve probably been in the
situation when you were with someone preoccupied with the past or the
future. If you’re trying to love and support them, but they’re not
spiritually with you in the present moment, there’s no way they can begin to
accept your love and support. The same holds true of our relationship
with God.
I recommend you pray the words below,
and I encourage you to add your own petition for a positive change in your life
while you focus on being in the present moment with God.
The spirit of God lives and breathes inside me.
I breathe with the spirit.
I am one with the spirit.
I AM God’s spirit.
At all times and in all places, the spirit of God lives and
breathes inside me.
I breathe with the spirit.
I am one with the spirit.
I AM God’s spirit.
The spirit of God empowers me with the strength to
[insert your greatest challenge here].
I breathe with the spirit.
I am one with the spirit.
I AM God’s spirit.
I also suggest you try making it a
habit. During a hectic day, I make it a point to pray these lines
wherever I am, even in the bathroom after washing my hands which helps me calm
down if I’m stressed and focus on the present moment.
