I am using a collection of Thomas Merton's writings in my meditation practice this summer. (I know Summer begins June 20th, but if I'm in Montana then it's summer.) First, an explanation of "Hours" for anyone not use to monastery life. The "Hours" are the services that are prayed usually together in a monastery. The traditional times are dawn (6 am), day (9 am), noon, afternoon (3 pm), evening (6 pm), and night (9pm) - then it's not unheard of to pray at midnight too.
Merton's book has only four "Hours," Dawn, Day, Dusk & Dark. No, I'm not praying all four each day, but I am trying to read Dawn each morning, while I sip my first cup of coffee. I figure once I get that one down I'll move on to include "Dark" or whichever pops to mind. Baby steps stick, at least for me.
Sunday's Dawn talks of birds beginning their day. The first chirps coming before there is any real light. I love this line - "when the Father in perfect silence opens their eyes." OK, he wrote before inclusive language, but he writes so beautifully with such insight that I find I can forgive this large lapse of feminine consciousness. He goes on to say that their condition asks if it is time for them "to be," and God answers "yes." He continues addressing humanity at our awakening. The news is not so good. "There is an unspeakable secret: paradise is all around us and we do not understand."
We are too busy living our lives to wonder at the glory of a new day much less ask if we are "to be." And even if we do take the time to notice the beauty of the new day, do we think to ask the question? Can we give our awakening over to another entity, not our own volition? And if we ask the question, do we live the answer, or do we live out our own agenda?
Much pondering can go into this question. I know I have approached the chirping of birds at 4:30 am with a little more grace since reading this psalm. I am trying to remember that I am not in control of even my waking moment, but my response to every moment is in my control. So what do I need to find the correct response - patience (with myself & the situation), love (again for myself & others in the situation), & the biggest thing, memory (so that I remember to be patient & have a loving heart).
May the peace of the mountains give you peace of mind.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment