For me it's meditation and mindfulness. Noticing the miracles that abound and my inner reaction to things that keep me in the center or move me away from it. And of course, writing. But for others it may be different types of art. Also surrounding ourselves with beautiful art, nature, music and people that feed our souls. It's not for everyone, but for me, and I suspect most, meditation gives you the most bang for the buck with all things mystical and miraculous.
Clint- this is an EXTREMELY IMPORTANT REFLECTION! I think most people think paying attention to anything is a boring obligation, when it is maybe the most important gift you can give or receive.
May I refer to your articles with permission in my book on the spiritual life? I am working on an autobiographical book about the life of a priest which will also be a spiritual workbook for anyone
I am an Episcopal priest of 35 years, now long term substitute at St Joseph- St John Episcopal Church in Lakewood, WA. It has been a wild ride full of love and learning,struggling but the best of it has been the grace of contemplation and the deep joy of Presence. I am often disturbed by the apparent inability of people to be still or give their attention to others or the beauty of holiness around them. It seems to me to be an impoverished way to live. But I am encouraged by the surge in creativity and outdoor activity. I love your thought provoking and well written posts! Thank you so much!
Thank you for your kind words. I truly appreciate you. I am, of course, honored if you reference anything I have written; however, I must admit that it seems like most of my musings are pretty mystical compared to mainstream episcopalian doctrine (of course, I fully admit I don’t know much about the episcopalian church other than friends who attended such churches and they seemed just like all my other Protestant friends and not very mystical). I do feel like what I missed in my upbringing as a Protestant was a loss of the magical, the miraculous, the felt experience of God. As the saying goes, “The WORD became flesh but theologians turned him back into words.”
I absolutely love this article. It speaks truth. I suffer from depression and anxiety but when I remove myself from negative stimuli and retreat to my studio , my mind , my energy moves to simplicity in creativity. All the negative vibes and distractions are gone and replaced with an enthusiasm and energy to create.
I am odd as an Episcopalian Priest . I am more mystical than doctrinal. I began this journey with an early childhood experience of Presence and so deeply desire everyone to fully experience the embrace of the Holy, whatever or whoever that may be for them. I accept anyone who comes in the door no papers required. Some of the most holy devout people I have met have been Buddhist, agnostic and even atheist. All of us are on an incredibly holy journey wherever it leads us, whatever it teaches us. I always hope our lives come to reflect the kindness, compassion and inclusivity that is always the mark of the spiritually mature person.
I think I might be surrounded by folks who prefer to ponder upon a blade of grass rather than apprise themselves of the negative things going on in the world. Don't we have to be a little worried about burying our heads in the sand? My German friends saw that in the 1930s, and it didn't turn out too well.
Indeed. Whatever is going on in the world has no effect upon Allah as He remains Peaceful, Loving, and Compassionate. To understand God and ourselves we have to know the Truth of everything, which requires an investigation. That investigation should lead to Wisdom. Wisdom requires us to remain unaffected by external circumstance and maintain the point of quietude within. To be loving. From that point of God we can then ponder the blade of grass and the wonder of His creation. It's a balance. I can paint while catching the latest youtube commentaries or listen to music. But as a painter of realism it's more about details and focus rather than pondering. The pondering or contemplation goes on continuously in any case for me, and on every subject including current events.
What does it look like day to day to train the mind or the heart to enter that space where creation begins?
For me it's meditation and mindfulness. Noticing the miracles that abound and my inner reaction to things that keep me in the center or move me away from it. And of course, writing. But for others it may be different types of art. Also surrounding ourselves with beautiful art, nature, music and people that feed our souls. It's not for everyone, but for me, and I suspect most, meditation gives you the most bang for the buck with all things mystical and miraculous.
The hearth is just an organ as the liver etc . The soul is something else
Clint- this is an EXTREMELY IMPORTANT REFLECTION! I think most people think paying attention to anything is a boring obligation, when it is maybe the most important gift you can give or receive.
May I refer to your articles with permission in my book on the spiritual life? I am working on an autobiographical book about the life of a priest which will also be a spiritual workbook for anyone
Thank you! Of course! I would be honored. Of what church are you a priest?
I am an Episcopal priest of 35 years, now long term substitute at St Joseph- St John Episcopal Church in Lakewood, WA. It has been a wild ride full of love and learning,struggling but the best of it has been the grace of contemplation and the deep joy of Presence. I am often disturbed by the apparent inability of people to be still or give their attention to others or the beauty of holiness around them. It seems to me to be an impoverished way to live. But I am encouraged by the surge in creativity and outdoor activity. I love your thought provoking and well written posts! Thank you so much!
Thank you for your kind words. I truly appreciate you. I am, of course, honored if you reference anything I have written; however, I must admit that it seems like most of my musings are pretty mystical compared to mainstream episcopalian doctrine (of course, I fully admit I don’t know much about the episcopalian church other than friends who attended such churches and they seemed just like all my other Protestant friends and not very mystical). I do feel like what I missed in my upbringing as a Protestant was a loss of the magical, the miraculous, the felt experience of God. As the saying goes, “The WORD became flesh but theologians turned him back into words.”
I absolutely love this article. It speaks truth. I suffer from depression and anxiety but when I remove myself from negative stimuli and retreat to my studio , my mind , my energy moves to simplicity in creativity. All the negative vibes and distractions are gone and replaced with an enthusiasm and energy to create.
This is so uplifting. Thank you. 🙏
I am odd as an Episcopalian Priest . I am more mystical than doctrinal. I began this journey with an early childhood experience of Presence and so deeply desire everyone to fully experience the embrace of the Holy, whatever or whoever that may be for them. I accept anyone who comes in the door no papers required. Some of the most holy devout people I have met have been Buddhist, agnostic and even atheist. All of us are on an incredibly holy journey wherever it leads us, whatever it teaches us. I always hope our lives come to reflect the kindness, compassion and inclusivity that is always the mark of the spiritually mature person.
Brilliant thesis!
I think I might be surrounded by folks who prefer to ponder upon a blade of grass rather than apprise themselves of the negative things going on in the world. Don't we have to be a little worried about burying our heads in the sand? My German friends saw that in the 1930s, and it didn't turn out too well.
Indeed. Whatever is going on in the world has no effect upon Allah as He remains Peaceful, Loving, and Compassionate. To understand God and ourselves we have to know the Truth of everything, which requires an investigation. That investigation should lead to Wisdom. Wisdom requires us to remain unaffected by external circumstance and maintain the point of quietude within. To be loving. From that point of God we can then ponder the blade of grass and the wonder of His creation. It's a balance. I can paint while catching the latest youtube commentaries or listen to music. But as a painter of realism it's more about details and focus rather than pondering. The pondering or contemplation goes on continuously in any case for me, and on every subject including current events.
I loved reading this article. I’m a new follower - the quotes, the painting and elevating content. Thankyou