When I write and post, I do not know where I go. Each step is its own process without rehearsal.
A step at a time;
A moment at a time
The outlook changes
With each step
With each moment.
The world changes every so slowly
Yet, gracefully
Seek no material reward
Yet, the reward is priceless
A dance with life
Unrehearsed.
Change shines outward
A radiant light shines forth
Illuminates the path
If I am present
The world is a gift
A gift of creation.
I read three articles this weekend and Father Richard Rohr’s daily meditation this morning. I found a clear message in each source and this message has slowly been revealed. Sabbath is a necessary part of my life and I slowly discover its purpose in a mindful attitude. It is in life lived mindfully I obtain a radical unity with my self, creation, neighbor, enemy, and always with God, step by step.
A mindful attitude–
Seek to choose well
Blend fiery passion
With compassion’s loving kindness.
Let life’s fruit mature;
Ripen deeply
Nurture life’s fully.
A spiritual banquet nourishes
Deepest meanings revealed
I Respond to life’s bounty.
Assume responsibility
For one’s self
For each other.
Welcome the world
Understand–
With childlike wonder
Become one;
Become whole
Transform the self.
Annie Dillard is a wonderful writer whose prose has a great poetic quality. Her words ask me to find quiet and solitude provided on the Sabbath. In that quiet, I go deeper and seek peace among the turmoil.
“In the deeps are the violence and terror of which psychology has warned us. But if we ride these monsters deeper down, if you drop them further over the world’s rim, you find what our sciences cannot locate or name, the substrate, the ocean or matrix or ether which buoys the test, which gives goodness its power for good, and evil its power for evil, the unified field: our complex and inexplicable caring for each other, and for our life together here. It is given. It is not learned.”
Take care and see you Monday.
The picture below was not taken today. Winter arrived. In some parts of our fair province 10-15 cm (3-5 inches) of snow fell. The insight is that it will be back up about 15 C on the weekend. Behind each cloud lays blue sky. I only have to wait.
Behind sullen clouds;
Insight awaits
In spaciousness.
Effortlessly
Be present
Hear silence.
In refuge
Rest heart and mind
Drift with the current.
Behind clouds;
Blue sky
Be patient.
Kathy and I went to the farm yesterday and shared Thanksgiving with Kathy’s niece. We took advantage of a nice day for a walk to the old house and down to a slough on the property. Along the way, we came across a doe. She was skittish and it took time and effort to get a picture. It is hunting season in Alberta so that might be part of the skittishness, but, also this doe has a young one. We did not see the spring fawn, but the mother would stand, watch us, and, then take off, probably reassuring herself the fawn was safe and she served as a distraction.
It reminded me of Parker Palmer‘s book,The Hidden Wholeness. He compared the soul to a shy animal. Last Friday, during professional development, after a reference to the spiritual nature of life, I pointed out to a person spirituality is personal and private tentatively shared with our self first and, afterwards, with those we are closest to. I persisted and hope I left food for thought.
As Kathy and I walked, the deer reappeared several times and, despite attempts at being quiet and still, the deer remained shy and reluctant.
I sit quietly, with occasional great stillness, and my spirit, like the deer, runs for cover. In the midst of strangers and intruders, what else could be expected at moments of vulnerability like the hunting season or when we look to protect that which is closest to us.
Quiet and still
Camouflaged and vigilant
Remains in safe haven
Hidden from view
Protects the important
Distracts the intruders
Returns to its child.
I sit
Wait patiently
Soul peeks shyly
Moves tentatively
Waits for safety
Reveals itself in that moment
A dance repeated.
Look closely. The poplar and the spruce in the foreground frame her in the background.
I find it interesting how when we need something to help us it falls into our laps or our Facebook folder. Parker Palmer is one of my favourite authors and thinkers. He is also a very good poet. I needed this poem today. It was not busy, but I sensed I needed quiet and space to let the words form. I began a 24 hour run with three meetings scheduled and spent most of my day in front of the computer completing ‘necessary paperwork’. I felt fried at the end of the day and, as I drove home, I thought of this wonderful poem that Parker Palmer shared on Facebook. It calmed me and I found myself at peace at the various lights and stops on the way home.
.
It was cool, rainy, and windy at times today. We are going to go through a couple of days of below seasonal and bounce back on the weekend. Today, a new parent was the parent-helper. She did a wonderful job and told me how much her child was enjoying our little corner of paradise. It warmed the heart on a dreary day.
The day broke
Cool and wet
Grey.
Able to dampen one’s spirit;
If allowed–
And let the dull prevail.
A glow emerged
Warmth radiates
Revealed in community.
In communal spirit
Discover my world
Leads me forward.
I am sitting and looking out the window at a hard rain coming down. I am really uncertain how I will make it to my car in my shorts and t-shirt. Despite that it is still 18 C0 in Edmonton, but it is October and there is a risk of wet snow tonight. Early today, it was quite pleasant, sunny, and, as one student put it, it changed quite suddenly.
October arrives
Softly whispers reminders
Thank and share.
Harvest gathered
Bounty stored
The hearth calls.
Gather as one
Hands joined; heads bowed
Pray as one.
I out waited the rain. It has stopped momentarily
I head into my Sabbath – I disconnect to reconnect. Last weekend we spent time in silence and in that space solitude appeared. I enjoyed a good week in a place I often struggle to find peace of mind. Besides the retreat, it was made easier as I participate in a wonderful group on a monthly conference call and we met this week. I also interviewed for a radio show about mindful servant-leadership. This was an incredible experience and will share a schedule, when it is available, for those who are interested in listening to it.
I can only say the peace I felt this week was a result of the silence and solitude at the retreat. This and sharing that experience with Kathy was a great time.
Spacious silence and solitude…
Within you I sought refuge
Peaceful and compassionate place.
There lovingkindness discovered me
The heart breaks open
Each moment its reward.
Silently the spirit reveals itself
Able to speak
Softly, gently, tenderly,
Begs for its quiet voice to be heard.
Solace finds me
An unmarked path emerges
One step at a time.
At week’s end
Gratitude for wisdom revealed
For week’s beginning.
Kathy and I enjoyed our break at the retreat this weekend. I feel a little under the weather, but during the retreat itself that simply found a backseat in the peaceful environment we were in all weekend.
When I attend spiritual retreats, I find part way through I question myself. We often talk about compassion in these settings, but I struggle at times to be kind to those who I feel have offended me in the past. I am sure it is human nature. This weekend, I recognized there is worth in the small offenses, I find the good as I turn a little on the circle and shift my senses. I can see the world slightly differently. It is the bridge I need to walk across the abyss that appears, but it is only visible one step at a time. I trust my judgement and that of those who help me take those steps.
I know some might look at this picture and say,”That isn’t much of a drop or bridge.” I am so afraid of heights even this was a challenge the day I crossed.
I stand on the edge
The abyss yawns
Take the first step
The bridge is safe.
Built on compassion
Crafted from wisdom
Supported by community
It will carry my weight.
If only I trust my self
Take the first step
Trust my instincts
And those who travel with me.
ivonprefontaine
Teacher as Transformer 