Simple things we do every day can become reminders to be still and connect with God’s presence in the now. One of my favorite books is Present Perfect by Gregory A. Boyd. Boyd is Senior Pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota and President of Reknew.org. Its subtitle is Finding God in the Now.

The first time I read this book I was so excited to learn more that I emailed Boyd. I wanted to know if there was a study guide or curriculum or workshop where I could become skillful at applying the principles in his book. Boyd graciously responded that it was a pretty simple discipline. I simply needed to awaken to the fact that I was, in this present moment, submerged in the ocean of God’s perfect love. No extra study, ten tips for success or striving necessary. In fact, Boyd says don’t try to feel God’s presence. Simply be mindful of the fact that in this moment you are enveloped in His love. Be awake.

To stay mindful and awake, I need to first notice my thoughts have wandered into the past or the future, return to the present moment, and be still. So often my thoughts are reliving a past event or thinking about something that might happen in the future. Physical reminders help me.

Throughout Present Perfect Boyd has placed images of sticky notes that read “Are you awake?” I’ve used sticky notes on my bathroom mirror, around my computer and on the refrigerator. I’ve worn a certain bracelet and every time I touched it asked myself, “Am I awake?” If I don’t remind myself it’s easy to forget. Before I know it hours or days have passed since I was still.

A mentor of mine, Mary Morrissey, practices one of the best reminders I’ve heard. Every time Mary touches a handle she comes back to the present moment and checks in on her connection to God. We will touch many handles throughout our day – car door handles, door handles in our home, the handles of our purses or backpacks, etc.

These ideas are simple, yet profound, because they lead us back to the stillness. God meets us in the stillness. Remembering in this moment (and now in this moment) that we are enveloped in the love of God and connected to a power that is greater than any circumstance or condition is life changing. The more we practice the better we get.