Visit the Abbey of the Arts online retreat platform to access your programs:

How Does God Keep from Fainting?

The wonder of water moving over that rock in the stream
justifies existence.

The swish of a horse’s tail – again I am stunned
by the grandeur of the unseen One
that governs all
movement.

I resist looking at the palms of my hands sometimes.
Have you ever gotten breathless before a beautiful face
for I see you there,
my dear.

There is a wonderful problem waiting for you
that God and I share:

how to keep from fainting when we
see each other.

In truth:

how does God keep from fainting
looking at Himself all day?

Light is moving like a stream
and the myriad celestial beings
applaud.

-Rumi

You might also enjoy

Monk in the World Guest Post: Callie J. Smith

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Callie J. Smith’s reflection Inner Hospitality On Those Different Days. My friend stopped his bike on the trail in front of me,

Read More »

From Intention to Attention ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess

Dearest dancing monks, artists, and pilgrims, This Friday, June 12th, we are delighted to welcome Brother Richard Hendrick, OFM Cap. for a retreat on moving From Intention to Attention: Becoming Really Present in Prayer. We will encounter this flow through the lens of the Christian contemplative tradition, looking at

Read More »

Monk in the World Guest Post: Alexia Jons

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Alexia Jons’ reflection Living the Sacred in Ordinary Time: How Creativity Becomes a Form of Contemplative Prayer. For a long time, I

Read More »

One Response