Statio

Monastics have a practice called statio that they use as a tool to be mindful and attentive in everything they do.  Statio is simply stopping one thing before beginning another.  In its negative formulation, this means no multitasking.  Each task, each conversation, each dish washed is completed as a singular event.  One key to practicing statio is to pause for a moment after each task.  For instance, if you are checking Facebook, pause for a moment after you’ve finished and then go to the next task. During these pauses a simple prayer, such as “Lord have mercy,” could be said before starting the next task.

Today try to practice statio in everything you do.  Make coffee.  Then sit and read the newspaper.  Then drive to work.  And so on.