In Rebel Without A Cause, James Dean cries out, ‘But Mom, we are all involved!’ It is no good shutting our eyes twice a day to meditate if we regard it as a retreat from reality. And so, with open eyes, perhaps using as a mantra the words ‘Thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us’, our practice should permeate every aspect of our daily life, whether it is washing dishes, making love, preparing a meal, or taking a child to school. God is in the midst of us.
Dear James,
reading this bring George Herbert’s ” who sweeps a room as for thy laws, makes that and the action fine” back to me – it has been in my mind during this third Lockdown. Sometimes it is wearying; but it is a truth that we “we are all involved.” This globally tragic period is making it abundantly clear that it is how rather than what we do, that is significant. I recall a friend who had been to a Focolare gathering in Rome, a discussion between the bishops of different denominations. At some point, the discussion had become rather heated. One of those present had put his hand on the shoulder of his agitated neighbour, smiled at him and quietly said to him, “with love, brother.” Tension turned to humility and humour; the LISTENING began again.
Oh yes,permeating EVERY moment of NOW, wonderful, inspired or difficult and dark. Lessons of paradox and all held within our being tenderly held always within the Holding of God.
Thank you, James. I am reading Joan Chittister’s ‘Illuminated Life’ and found this which I think chimes with your blog:
‘God is as much in the world around us, as much in one another, as on that altar or in that chapel. God is the stuff of our lives, the breath of our very souls, calling us always to a heightened understanding of Life in all its forms.’
DO I CALL YOU JOHN OR ST JOHN?! THTA IS A MARVELOUS QUOTE. AS THE BLACK GIRL SAYS TO THE POLD MAN IN BLACK GIIRL IN SEARCH OFA GOD, ‘ YOPU DONT HAVE TO LOOK FOR GOD AS HE IS ALWAYS AT YOUR SIDE’/ THOUGH EVEN THERE THE MASCULINE WORD INHIBITS MANY BACAUSE AS MEISTER ECKHART SAID ‘ GOD IS NO THING/# FOR ME GOD IS AN OCEAN OF LOVE IN WHICH WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING. ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS LEARN HOW TO SWIM! DO TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHERE YOU LIVE, THIS IS MY EMAIL ADDRESS: J.ROOSEEVANS@BTINTERNET.COM JAMES
Dear James,
This may sound strange to you but I used to meditate with my eyes shut. Recently I read in the News Letter published by a wonderful organisationn which teaches Meditation and Yoga in prisons, Prison Phoenix Trust, a suggestion for meditating with eyes open. I have found that helpful. Now I will try reciting your mantra.