Beautiful practice for everyone…. In this time of Advent, often seen as a busy time for the commercial world, let us take five minutes to develop dive into a contemplative practice that can assist you in feeling calmness, lovingkindness.
I bring the practice to you courtesy of my contemplative friend and psychologist Ronelle Langley; Richard Rohr, Franciscan monk and author of the Center for Action and Contemplation; and Hospice worker and psychotherapist Kathleen Dowling Singh (1946–2017)1 who taught how her spiritual practice of offering loving-kindness to herself and others deepened in the second half of her life:
Another thing that is noticeable is the transformed nature of my relationship with a practice of loving-kindness for self, at first, extending then to others, through the inner merging with a version of the following thoughts in one version of this prayer: “May I (you) be happy. May I (you) be well. May I (you) be peaceful and at ease.”
Singh remembers that…the first few times I found powerful resistance in my mind…I felt I wasn’t worthy. The resistance was the belief in my unworthiness, my conviction that I didn’t yet deserve to be happy or hadn’t yet “earned” being peaceful. It was both sad and stunning to become aware of the resistance of all those deep, damaging, draining beliefs.
She adds, And, of course, my kind wishes for others were a bit shallow, not really authentic, when I couldn’t even hold them for myself. Gradually I began to rest in a dispassionate place of stillness where there was enough clarity to see the stories that gave rise to those mistaken beliefs and—just observing, just looking—they began to dissipate. After a while, it made me laugh to myself to see how stuck I’d been. Metta practice began to happen from a new place—actually resting in loving-kindness.
“In today’s world, with its relentless emphasis on success and productivity, we have lost the necessary rhythm of life, the balance between work and rest…” according to Wayne Muller, author of the book Sabbath.
Sabbath doesn’t have to be on a Sunday or even schedule an entire day. Sabbath can be an afternoon, a Sabbath hour or a Sabbath walk. I think it is vital for us spiritually.
I find that for me, Sabbath can take many different forms. For instance, taking a special day or part of each day just to use my time of sacred rest to be quiet with my God Who is all around me, in me, through me is life-giving. Immense joy floods my soul by simple acts as hiking in nature, riding bikes, doing various spiritual practices, journaling, taking photographs, enjoying time my family with pets, reading, playing music on my piano will bring my body and soul back into balance. I feel rested, stored and renewed… creativity and life-giving connection with our Higher power, the Almighty can help us no matter what faith we profess and age group.
It isn’t the length of time, it is the intention that you take to join with Someone, something bigger than you. loving you, nourishing your life. Do take time this season to be with God. Knowing down deep in your soul that you are precious in His sight. See him in those around you. Beautiful trees, fresh air, warm sunshine, a harmony of joyous sounds brought into being by the God who loves to shower you with unexpected joys, if only you are awake, aware enough to be with them.
When the sun shines encompassing a field of flowers, does it choose to give its warmth to just the most perfect flowers with no flaws? Definitely not. If not, can we then as imperfect human beings in today’s world feel the fullness of God’s Love when we are not perfect? I believe so, since devoted Christian apostle Paul, as Saul of Tarsus before conversion, had mercilessly persecuted Jesus followers.
In 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 the apostle Paul spoke of his joy in the strength of faith, hope and love in newly converted Christian Thessalonians in 50AD during the Roman rule in the midst of a Grecian idol-laden culture. No one was turned away from his teaching which seemed to many counter-cultural of the time with Grecian idol worship and military might so prevalent.
During this 2nd missionary journey from 49-51AD with Sylvanus and Timothy, despite sometimes strong violent opposition from some in leadership, devoted Christian apostle Paul preached the abundant Love of God, salvation and humility of Jesus to diverse economic and cultural backgrounds at the thriving hub seaport of Thessalonica.
Countless men and women alike along this major northern Grecian city were drawn to Christianity through the teachings of this well-spoken and educated Jewish Roman citizen. Long after Paul and his friends were forced to leave, Timothy returned to witness the flourishing in their faith. the Son shone brightly through the power of the Holy Spirit to this community of faith to all who wished to hear.
Nourished by Christian agape love, individuals in the growing faith community now greeted each other with “Grace and Peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” …instead of speaking the Roman slogan of “Security and Peace” advocating control through sometimes violent means. Loving each other through difficult times, standing fast in their faith.
We are motivated by the deep Love of Jesus to seek God with all our hearts. We need to remember God listens to even the smallest cries of our hearts for mercy, grace, compassion, understanding, ess… in bounded fullness of Love.
The eternal control is God’s who has given humanity free will. Our God loves us unconditionally. In today’s world there are conflicts in Middle East, disharmony with diversity in belief and religions, environmental crisis, and more. We have to remember that Christian community can and will flourish through staying deep in the Scriptures, pray always, listening and accepting each other in Love. This is far from easy; but we can make it with our Christ.
The words, “I love you,” have been said many times to me. It has been said out of lust and manipulation and it’s also been said honestly. In the last few years, I finally realized that there is a way to know if someone actually loves you. In the Bible, I Corinthians 13: 4-7 describes how love comes with evidence like patience, gentleness, kindness, and self-control. Love shines, like endurance through hard times, hoping for the best, believing good things and rejoicing in God’s truth about who he made me to be. If someone says, “I love you,” but is not exhibiting any of these characteristics, then it is a delusion.
Now just because someone doesn’t love you, does not mean you should not love them. Jesus told us to love our enemies. How? With kindness, gentleness, self-control, etc. (I Cor. 13). At times, it may mean that you distance yourself from someone if needed so that you are safe. Some of us may need the help of a friend or counselor to discern the truth about our situations and to learn to love ourselves and others.
Dear God, help me to know that not everyone who says “I love you,” actually loves me. Help me to receive the true love of God. “No greater love has a man than to lay down his life for his friends.” Thank you for helping me recognize and receive true love and to love others the way you would like me to. Amen. (John 15:13)
13 “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen[a] the One who sees me”
How glorious is that fraction of a moment!
To see the awakening light plant the seed, nourish the plant, spread the fire of growth,
Of Light flowing from the creator, rippling at light speed through the universe to the heart of a dear one’s need
Exactly what is needed for that moment…that physician renewed with new wisdom,
Images created in the mind and frustrations held in the heart are enveloped in the light,
What joy in the creator’s eyes to feel joy touching a child who sees her father as the doors of Heaven open its light saying all is good.
In harmony with the new pet warming its new family’s bonds, unity with others cuddling the warmth of the soft music of the octave reverberating throughout Life
‘What plans I have for you my Child,’ the Creator murmurs softly.
Lying in the grass under the stars, what lies behind the shining stars, the pulsing light
The coolness of the night air, the depth of the connections from within the bodies lying in a split second of time. Changed forever and moving still closer through the awakening light
Each star, each planet, each blade of grass, each song, the ignition of the Light that takes away and gives back life.
It is all good, as the instructor creator views his children, knowing that those who see with positive light grow kinder, softer, stronger, with the knowledge of His Son. The Word echoes deeply in their hearts deep within, changing, trusting, unknowing yet believing.
The Spirit guiding from within each living thing each struggle to grow closer to the Light. Yes. All is well. All is Good.
The moment passes to the next. The new note arises from the Creator’s heart.
In deep vibrant purples with fragrance as strong as their apparent will to grow, my 7-year-old lilac bush thrives virulently in our backyard. Why are these plants, or any life so special? Just like their owner, this baby cutting has grown despite the sometimes hidden, sometimes overgrown challenges in its life. Snow, rain, cuttingly cold winds. My most recent example is a medical diagnosis of my ADHD that until very recently had gone “unpruned” for over 40 years. Racing thoughts, lack of apparent focus, impetuosity, self-esteem, organization and more, I have with God’s help made it through to where I am, my will trying to shadowbox in ways difficult to win… bending, flowing, doing the best I can. Like my lilac, I continue to grow, sometimes seemingly hurt by reactions of myself and others, sometimes aware that God was guiding me, pruning me to make my life more beautiful, a difference for others. Nonetheless, praying for guidance, love and support with needed wind, nutrients, water.
Whatever you need pruned in your life, in you, the Master Gardener knows what you need and how to guide you there. I have been slowly opening and becoming receptive to following practices to meditate, to face the day, to be open to the hurt. Letting go in such Contemplative practices of praying without words, just sitting with God, with practices as centering prayer and lectio divina of the daily Scriptures and mindfulness (all prayer is good) daily, following my heart in playing piano and writing, dancing, deepening my connection with Nature, with photography, journaling, exercising and my dog and I training for and doing Pet Pals https://petpalscedarvalley.org/. As I have opened, like the lilac blooms, the Gardener moves in my heart. In the stillness, there are answers through listening.
In John 15:1-17 Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the Gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. With each “pruning” I learn more about the wonder of being present, rusting the process, not determining the result. Let it come. Wonder.
Whoever looks on the outside dreams, whoever looks on the inside, awakens…Carol Jung. The Flow of Love, Life. Christ is in all. Are you willing to be still to perceive Him?
What do you see? An unruly child getting messy with paint on her hands and clothes or a work of unjudged, loving creation springing forward. Paint on the face, with a giggle and joy of look what I did, Mom! Just for you! Curls tangled with a bow tilted at a cockeyed angle. We progress in our seeing with the joy deep inside your heart. Only one Being will judge.
Notes from a page or a piano solo expressing gentle, wordless joy of harmonies from the soul? A photograph of almost perfectly correct. The right composition or the capturing of an unjudged image of God’s love across the sky. Is it in the doing or in the process of being in faith? Becoming? A poem flowing from the heart of God’s love creating the world or a series of syllables flowing in exactly correct measure?
My constant fight with trying to fit in, to match up, struggles in life may be partly, but not completely over. Racing thoughts, self-judging, lack of focus lessened with less pressure to be that dependent on others person, that was part of the struggle I have faced. Understand that no one way is right for everyone, and I have found solace in guidance from those who have training to guide me. But I have had to be ready to listen. Are you ready to listen?
The Light in my heart is slowly showing me how to trust, like my lilacs trust their Creator. To be receptive. For example, to see the Gardener in loving friends who have not judged but love, meditation, caring words from the Scripture come to life, and yes, finally try medical intervention as food for the body, nutrients, wind under sails, water. My world may be a little different now. There is much value in knowledge, facts and figures in this world. But it isn’t the only way to gain understanding. Words are only what you allow them to be. Do you take steps to see past the words?
Friends, we all have the opportunity to grow, like the lilacs, giving Glory to the One tending us and with trust in our Master Gardener. Our own pressures created in this world can serve us helping us grow in love with our God. There is a Way to turn that negative hurt with fear of change into an acceptance of Grace from the Father who will give you all that you need if you just take time to see the world as it is. Will you take the time to see, accept it? To reach out in prayer, in Nature, in Scripture, to ministers, trusted friends, family, for example.
As the birds sing out on rainy days and the squirrels scurry along precarious fences, dandelions bloom in the sidewalk cracks, trees naturally bend not questioning the flow of the nutrients. All grow, all accept and move into the flow of being a part of that growing Creation, patience in seeing, accepting yourself and others just to be a part of the whole.
Open, receptive and loving. The fruits of the spirit are the pruning tools. Will you grow as my lilac grows, giving and accepting with love.
Reference also: Guardians of Being by Eckhart Tolle.
A big brown bunny quivers deep into the green grass with fear remaining still in front of our garden. Not even 10 feet from him, our terrier Rascal had just been let out into the yard, but was totally focused on the yard next door and the fence. It was a chilly morning, sun shining brightly on the lawn, bouncing off the aging oak tree. The rabbit loves the cracked corn left in the grass and like us, is drawn into temptation.
Lately, I have had several occasions lately to wonder if I really was being present, attune to God’s Will. Decisions of consequence to me right now. A far away conference to attend, a class to take, giving up the question to God. Can I do this? I have prayed about it now, darn it. I am trying to take it back again. Think of blessings. Joys. Be grateful. Knowing His Presence is always with you no matter what.
The Holy Spirit inspires me with insight sometimes, to be present to seeing as perhaps God sees. From “above” (i.e. knowing what could happen and seeing his children and creatures in the darkness of their world.) I really don’t see Rascal as evil or darkness, but to a rabbit, he could potentially tear his long-eared friend apart. And Rascal loves chasing rabbits, but the bunny seemed so scared.
My thoughts drift to the Scripture readings I did earlier in the day that we can count on our Lord to watch over us. The Bible says, ” the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
Our bunny, quivering in fear of impending events, seems like he could have been you or me in our wilderness of Lent as our Lord remains vigilant with us through our little trials.
My heart races. Rascal’s cataracts dim his vision, but his sense of smell and hearing are excellent. From my perch, I watch as he sniffs about in the yard, oblivious of the impending danger. He rolls over in the grass, enjoying the day.
I open the door a crack. The sound turns Rascal’s head toward me while a new creature steps into the adventure. Ralph Jr., the squirrel, doesn’t see Rascal either, and ducks under the wire fence and confidently scampers over toward the oak tree. Word of our yummy cracked corn must have spread around the neighborhood.
God provides so many blessings to us. We could be aware of his goodness. I yell out, “yum-yum. Rascal, come on.” Just a second or two of diversion as he looks at me, considering his fun in yard versus his treat. Then, his ears perk up. Rascal turns as he hears something moving in the grass and barking loudly, he jumps toward the flying gray fur. With a split second to spare, Ralph Jr. makes a successful leap into the tree. The bunny watching carefully, hunkering down, disappears quickly under the fence. Rascal continues with his assault on the tree for a while, but decides the treat in hand is worth more than a squirrel in the tree, so to speak and heads for the door.
Sometimes, we don’t escape our troubles like the bunny, though. There is not always a happy ending. But whatever happens, I have a deep and growing sense of trust in God’s Presence in this moment. Jesus hand on my shoulder gives me peace and calm. That doesn’t take away the confusions and temptations, but He is my Rock through them. His Presence lies in, around and through us. Though we can be in difficult situations, we can be above them, as I was above the unfolding drama. Perhaps, it is good to have the insight to be awake, aware of others’ dangers, and be Christ’s hands and feet in this world. Knowing that our love for others can make a difference.
The Father takes care of his children. He gave up His Son’s life to give us salvation from all our sins. We may tremble, quiver and hunker down in the grass, or make flying leaps without knowledge of what will happen. But the Light of God’s Presence will warm and hold you firm. Be grounded in God’s Presence, we will make it through.
I offer many practices to get grounded in God’s Presence in the beginning of the day. Today I offer just a start for you. Before the day begins, in that moment list in your mind, or in a journal, a gift from God that continue to bless you. Savor this gift: a family member, a pet, time with friends, a walk-in nature, gardening, music. Continue this practice five times a day. Give gratitude for what you see as a gift from God, just for you. When your feet hit the floor, remember to be present and look around for God’s Presence holding you strong. When you fall, and we all fall, just look up and thank the God who is helping you through this moment.
Another thought is to wake up to a beautiful piece of music that you love, savoring the harmonies that God created in this music just for you. Google your choice if you wish. I prefer soft guitar and piano music. Or, take in several deep God-given breaths breathing in the deep love of God and breathe out the Love of God for the World.
At a recent community event called Pack the Dome, A young girl whom I will call Jenn, 6, held her own in a group of 10 adults at our table (one of 30 such tables in our shift) helping the serve up around 1,000 meals in just under 2 and ½ hours. Pack the Dome 2023 for feeding children in the community! Over 80,000 children will be fed, over 30,000 from our afternoon shift alone!
This awesome community gift of love project involved community nonprofits and businesses including the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley and UNI.
Jenn’s broad smile lighting up her face shown with this light of love. For 2 solid hours straight, she added her two elements to each pack. I just want to help others, she said and her mommy hugged her. No playtime with friends on her day off from school, just because she wishes to serve others…her mom said, giving her a big hug. That is the way she is…To make something good happen for others. With gratitude for the life, she has. Be merciful as your Father is merciful, Luke 6:36.
Jenn inspired all of us at her table be present, to raise the level of our work. Even occasional moments of building sun butter containers Jenga Style didn’t keep her from her work! (While patiently waiting for adults to bring in more boxes of food to pack). What a blessing to have parents that will raise children to care in countless ways in their communities. These parents are just two of many I encounter.
Jenn was one over 2000 volunteers willing to give their time to serve up over 80,000 food packs for children in this area. In point of fact, there were volunteers turned away due to the overflow of people willing to serve.
Further examples…
During a holiday trip throughout the journey, we were encountering Christ’s amazing Love presenting itself in the most ordinary places from deep South to the Midwest.
The presents that we often plan so intricately with just the right gift for just the right person really doesn’t hold the proverbial candle to the joy of a shared smile and much needed and deeply welcomed service. For example, Annette, the hotel employee who lovingly provided for us in our trip South. “She welcomed us with a big smile, not intruding in our forage into the “breakfast buffet”. Singing the hymns of Spirit, she made her way back into the preparation area to find more of the craved smoked bacon bringing immediate smiles to waiting guests.
We are not television watchers, so her love of her service to others held our attention. Annette carefully watched her guests and attended to each one’s needs. When it came time to leave, we had a few items we wanted to carry back to our room. A bit unwieldy, I almost dropped a couple items. Annette was at my side immediately saying, would you like a baggie? I have one. It’s no trouble at all. Humming quietly, she disappeared quietly to bring it to us.
We finished our delightful visit with friends to a nearby Cracker Barrel, delicious food by the way, when my husband tried to start our vehicle. Less than two hours from a highly anticipated glorious holiday play, the battery would not start. Of course, we could call the Auto club, but that could take hours. We had just studied about acceptance and gratitude for what we had. And if we missed it, it was what it was. But my mind kept working…What to do in a spread-out city without friends nearby? Thoughts of missing this beautiful event caused a deep sadness and tightness in my chest. Then, an inspiration hit me, go ask Cracker Barrel if anyone could help. A long shot.
But at the Barrel checkout, their GM came out and said he had just the ticket and it wouldn’t cost us extra time or money. A quick start battery charger he had just got that had already saved him a couple of times. Flutters of anticipation. God provides. Not only did manager help us, but he recommended an auto shop that sold quick starts. Off we went, got to the store and bought one just before closing. But what if it died again? We need it charged. At the hotel we searched our car, but no extension cord. So, we asked at the desk. This attendant on duty said there was a cord, but she didn’t know if it could work. A big smile lit her face. It seems her boyfriend was coming with dinner soon and was an electrician. He would know. He did! In fact, it was already charged. Off we went and got to the play just in time to meet our friends at the play.
As you go out into your day, remember how you have your own special heartlight to shine in unexpected ways as no one else can. Be merciful because you can, not because you are expected to do so. Stop to say a prayer of gratitude for what you have that God has provided.
The Holy Spirit is tapping me on the shoulder again. Wake up to trust me who loves you unconditionally. always. …God
… But if I wag my tail furiously, someone will come by and give me a wonderful home. I will just be. I will trust completely…. Rascal G. Smith-Davis
Every day for three months I came to the door of the cat room to greet the people that came to the shelter, trusting that someone would give me a good home. I trust completely. ……. Blake B. Smith-Davis-Cat
A wonderful dinner awaits me while I busily work on my assignment due today. I trust Roger will provide.
Neighbor stops her busy day to read my paper… I care about you. …T.
Can I do any less?
God provides for me (for us) in all things. I declare my weakness but know I will succeed at what is most important by letting go to trust God who loves me just as I am. Be renewed. Declare how despite the fact you fall on your face; you still are loved. Completely. For who you are secretly deep inside by Him who gave his Life for you. …Bonnie
Psalm 139 V.1-12
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. 3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.
5You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
7 Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,” 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Sky greets me, tail wagging and straining forward as before, in her new warm grey- and -white sweater. Her new mom Jess smiles as Sky confidently moves forward. As I get reacquainted with beautiful Sky, Jess reaches down to stroke her sweet pup. “Sky is improving in her balance and in learning how to be with others after her amputation,” but really doesn’t seem too sure about coming back here to the humane society for our visit. A tentative wag combined with a gaze around the animal pen and while leaning in to my leg confirms her guess.
After a pause Jess continues with her eyes steadily on her pup, “Sky loves to be close to me and play with her tug/toss toy at home. She knows that I need her as much as she needs me. We help each through each day.” Sky gazes back at her mom and gives her a reaffirming sniff and nose lick.
Jess continues stroking her little girl and adds that it has been a tough month or so for both of them…and that they are so grateful for all the loving, caring friends at the humane society in the Second Chances program that allows pets with special considerations to be readied for adoption. Also, that new owners as herself wish to show deep appreciation for those willing to devote sponsor kennels and surgery sponsors. ** Thank you!
Bored by all of our continued “barking”, Sky spots a tug toy by the dog house and runs over to check the scents. Conversation turns to the holidays and the fact that soon Jess and Sky will celebrate their very first Christmas together. Sky seems truly a special gift from God for Jess and Jess for her. Love. Pure and simple Love. As Sky wanders back, she nuzzles closer when Jess bends down to adjust her pup’s sweater to keep warm in the November chill.
Sky, looking up obediently at her forever mom for the next instruction, lays down on command, now just contented to be beside her mom. The bond of trust and love that has been building since they first met is clearly growing stronger.
Jess quietly adds that throughout the decision-making process of whether or not to adopt, each time she visited Sky or Sky was allowed to visit at her home, she quietly believed with all the love in her heart that she would be Sky’s forever friend. They would be together throughout all their challenges. Still, Jess had to consider would be best in the long run for Sky who had gone through so much with coming to the humane society with a deep hurting body, the amputation process. for her loved ones, and for herself.
Finally, Jess listens to her heart and decides to take the necessary steps to adopt her inspirational, loving, young pit bull mix with her missing right front leg and the enormously loving heart!
Since that decision, these two friends have been at each other’s side through periods of adjustment in their life and the lives of those they love. Sky comforts and remains very close to Jess as Jess has needed her during a dear friend’s illness. Jess has consistently been there for Sky, taking her into the vet for regular checkups following Sky’s amputation which the vet says is healing well. Also, Jess, as alluded to earlier, keeps working with Sky in conjunction with her training to grow more comfortable with her new gaited walking, to act appropriately and to be more comfortable around others.
As the chill nipped underneath our coats, and a few more questions are answered, we all have the warm feeling spoken only through our hearts. Joy and Love. Sky has her fur-ever home. Her amputation is over, and the healing takes over, not only of the body, but in her deep, loving heart with so much to give! Sky was home. And so was Jess.
Merry Christmas, dear readers. We must continue to be love. Sky’s deep love-filled heart which does not give up but shows endless determination to love others in spite of her missing limb!
My challenge for you: about a personal “limb” or wound that you really focus (lean) on, spend a lot of time being concerned about, like a job, bill, illnesses, or possible outcome of an event. In other words, what are you willing to cast aside in order to focus on showing the gift of Love of Christ?
Then, set an intention to read Corinthians 1, chapter 13 (below) every day for ten days. Ponder what deep love might look like for a person or creature in your life.
Verses to Ponder: First Corinthians 13
“If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…8 Love never fails.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Awakening Light 