Mokuso

My dear warrior,
 
Warriors cannot be effective on the battlefield with a mind that is cast into turbulent thoughts. Neither can they stay strong or be their best if their minds are similarly chaotic in their day-to-day lives. A warrior knows he must allow himself a chance to rest and recharge. Mokuso is a Japanese word we use in Martial Sciences that simply means to still your thoughts. (moku meaning still or silent, and so, meaning thoughts). It is the word my instructor uses to tell me I must take a moment to clear my mind of all the cares and burdens of the week, to lay aside distractions and put away all things that would inhibit me from training well as a warrior, or being effective in battle.

It is a reminder both in Martial Sciences and in my walk with God that I must empty myself of all my cares, and cast my burdens before the Lord. I, like anyone else, need to be reminded to let go of the weight that I carry and lay it at the foot of the cross. I must give up the weight of the world, which the Lord demands, up to Him. No less.
 
Mokuso, dear warrior. Take time throughout the week and be reminded of the need to empty yourself. Go before the cross of Christ and lay your burdens down; let Him carry the weight. You were not intended to carry your burdens in the first place. Let Him do His job and take your cares, worries, sorrows and fears and carry them for you.
 
Scripture repeatedly tells us to be still. So be still, beloved. Be still my heart and know: You are God alone.
 
As we celebrate Epiphany, let go of all that weighs you down. Don't simply monologue to yourself, have a conversation in your own head, or internalize things. Your internal dialogue only ever ends up getting louder until it reaches an intolerable high-pitched whine. No beloved, pour your heart out before the Lord, to the Lord! Stop thinking so much about all of the things of the world, all of the things that swirl around you all of the chaos that surrounds you, and all of the noise constantly seems to rattle through your brain and your heart. Still your heart before Him. Allow God to take His rightful place as Lord of your life.
 
Mokuso.

Warrior Beloved.
 
©Michèle Aimée, 2016