Slowing Down

We live in an age of not stop movement. Everything is instantaneous, we are state of always moving both physically and mentally. People via technology have become hyperactive, constantly checking smartphones, and moving at high speed pace in cars, public transit, and etc. The result is that we are unable to slow down, and literally "stop and smell the roses." Our minds are constantly occupied by the need to do, to be active, and to check our social media, email, and other means of communication. The consequence is that we are completely blind to the beauty around us, created by Christ (John 1:3). The birds, the bees, and the beautiful trees fade into distance both literally as buildings take their place, and metaphorically in that we aren't conscious of them even when they are there. Even if we aren't glued to the numerous screens, our minds are thinking about the work, socializing, and need for instant gratification.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), along with Autism is on the rise. The culprit thus far has been attributed to the vaccines, and certainly they are having an effect, but psychologists have discovered that children who play more than one hour of video games or watch videos become hyperactive, violent, and lose their ability to feel empathy. I would add patience is also purged during prolonged gaming, and the result is same symptoms of ADHD and ADD, in fact there is research that argues that the video games and prolonged exposure to videos (streaming, YouTube, movies) creates ADHD and ADD. So while vaccines may be contributor, and there are campaigns crying for a hault to over vaccination, very few parents are investigating into side effects of videos and enforcing time limits for video use on their children; in contrast often the smartphone, TV, and video games are baby sitters both when parents are present or not present (or present but not present due to them being on devices like smartphone). The parents aren't willing to fight the video overstimulation because the children cry, whine, and fight for the time to play video games, because its effect on brain is like crack cocaine.

With a generation rising that cannot for one second not be occupied, that is their minds and eyes are always busy being entertained, the concept of slowing down, going off grid for vacation (camping, real style), and forbidding using tablets, smartphones, and video games. The need to decompress and remove the technology should be incorporated into daily lives, so that this new generation of techis can appreciate God's creation and nature.

I recently saw a film I recommend called Sweet Bean (2015) which features a Japanese Doriyku (sweet pancake) cook who is approached by an old lady who has special recipe to improve businesses. The Old Lady shows the cook the process, and it is meticulous and lengthy, making cook cry it takes to long, but the process of makin bean paste is slow and requires slowing down, and letting hot water, steaming, and more take place at normal pace, rather than stir fry frantic pace (yes, this is metaphor for modern life). The result is the cook's business expands and his little shop become famous. I will not give away a spoiler that is so Biblical it will make you cry, pertaining to the old lady master recipe maker. But I must say the movie is slow, it takes time to show you cherry blossoms, the sun rise, the beans cooking, and most will review it and say, "its a slow movie.." but that is only true because we all have become to used to fast paced action, thrill, dystopian, and Christopher Nolan dramas. Sweet Bean encompassed the message I am trying to share, that if Christian, that we stop worrying about tomorrow and stop and enjoy God's creation.

It is in being still, quiet, and listening without all this motion that we connect with God. For it is written, "He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth," (Psalm 46:10), and "Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:11-13). Notice that when Jesus Christ who is God says to be still, "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." (Mark 4:39). Even creation has to be still so that it may experience God. This stillness is not blanking out your mind, obviously Elijah, David, and Christ who is God were still and still focusing on something: God. It is becoming hard for people to be still, all this motion and never ending activity of social networking, work, and more is making it difficult to be still in prayer and hear God the Trinity, which should alarm us. 

When we are among God's creation (his temple for us) we sense His presence because He made the trees, waters, sky, and more (Genesis 1, Genesis 2, John 1:3, Colossians 1:16). I am nor advocating New Age teachings (I preach against  New Age and its teachings), I am drawing attention to that God made all of this world for us to explore, enjoy, and engage (interact). It is beautifully made by Almighty, and yet we are ignoring it in all our business. I am not saying destroying your computer, and connection to the grid entirely, I am merely pointing out we need to slow down and enjoy the smell of roses, bamboo, and more; and stop this rat race invented by a world under the prince of this world (devil), and start getting connected to King of Kings and Prince of Peace who made peaceful waves, streams, swaying trees, and beyond. Take some time to slow down, disconnect from the media, and even put your phones somewhere you aren't; and experiencing the beauty God has made for us. Amen.