I am so delighted to run across this video, shared with me by my good friend and fellow monk Tess, who blogs over at Pilgrim’s Moon (a wonderful resource for growing older with wisdom and consciousness).
Watch this and see if it doesn’t shift your perspective on distractions in meditation (or at least make you smile). I love that the dog in this video looks just like our sweet Amma Winter.
Blessing of the Saints* May the communion of saintsshower you with blessings,may you seek their guidancein moments of illness, confusion, gratitude.We remember their own struggles,living their humanity, enfleshed and tender.We ask those across the threshold to pray for usknowing what it is to be wounded.Call
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Wisdom Council member and Centering Prayer leader Therese Taylor-Stinson’s reflection Silence and the Oppressed. This article was originally published on NextChurch.net and
A Blessing for Wrestling with Angels*You have knownthe long nights of wrestlingwith mysterious beings,your breath hard and fast,your heart poundinglike furious wings. The dark seems to stretch foreverand you wonder how longyou will be in the gripof this powerful stranger,how long you will have to
8 Responses
Lovely video. Too often we can neglect the opportunities for love waiting right at our feet, being too intent on giving or finding it elsewhere. Mea culpa
Oh goodness Christine, this video is wonderful. Being a mutual dog lover I could just feel the empathy of the monk picking up what he thought was the lifeless dog. I hope we all bring life to whomever we encounter.
Margaret
Sometimes we’re just not present to the love & beauty that rolls right up to us. This is a charming reminder to remain awake and open hearted to each moment and each opportunity for love.
I find myself convicted – what beauty have I carelessly tossed away? I pray that in grace, I get a second chance.
What a neat, neat video, Christine — & Tess :-)
Thank you.
Like Amy, when I settle down to meditate one or the other (or both) of my two Persians comes to cuddle beside me. I suppose it is a distraction because they want that all important belly rub, but I find they are an icon of the soul with God. It reminds me of Psalm 131 — I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother.
I loved that video. I am going to send it to my spiritual director.
Oh my goodness Christine, this video is just adorable. Made me smile and brought tears to my eyes. Reminded me of how much I enjoy it when my youngest cat crawls into my lap when I meditate. I just have to shift my position a bit and let him settle in. He’s a very good meditator.