Tuesday, October 28, 2014

contemplation


The Community is establishing it's schedule and becoming more cohesive. Every evening we spend time in prayer and meditation. This practice is essential on many levels, not just for our individual spiritual development but bonds us as three souls in one Light.

What happens in that hour of contemplation is unplanned. Each time is different. We do start with some simple exercises to relax the body and move the energy after a day of work. We then sit on the floor, which keeps us from dozing off, as what sometimes, understandably would happen.

Lately, we've been meditating on letting go of the past, even the recent past and preparing for the road ahead. Each of us in the Community is on a crossroads. One Brother faces the challenge of teaching High School history in a low income area. Another Brother will soon start looking for employment.


And me? Finding the balance between Hermit and Teacher. Lately, I have been feeling both a forcefulness and peacefulness at the same time. I've learned to focus on what is important and ignore the irritations of worldly concerns.

Most of all, what fills my heart is feeling closer to Him. 

Sunday, October 26, 2014

♫Please, don't spoil my day, I'm miles away♪♫

Everybody seems to think I'm lazy.
I don't mind, I think they're crazy Running everywhere at such a speed 
Till they find there's no need

Yesterday the brothers and I headed north to visit St Anthony Monastery in Florence, AZ.  We didn't make it.  Even though I saw the turn off I just kept driving straight towards Globe.

I thought there might be another turn off but no. It was soon obvious we wouldn't get there in time (It's an Orthodox monastery and they close the gates to visitors at 2:30 pm).

Well, it's the journey that matters and not the destination. The route we took instead of the direct way was awesomely beautiful in a rugged way; ancient and raw nature, scarred by copper mining but an old wound that would someday heal. 

We 'absorbed' the energy of the rocks and clouds; a meditation in motion.
Today we rest and let the healing of being in the real world of God's creation continue in peace and quiet.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Learning to see

"Spirituality is not learned by fleeing from the world, by running away from things or by remaining solitary and removed from the world. Instead, you must develop an inner solitude wherever you are, no matter who is with you. You must learn to look deeper and find God everywhere."

-- Meister Eckhart


Years ago, in another place, as I began the spiritual path, I went to park located at the edge of the ocean. I went there to meditate among the trees and vines.
Yet, everywhere I turned, the view of land and sea was spotted with man-made objects: the bridge spanning the bay, boats large and small upon the water, houses on the hills. 
I so much wanted to see untouched nature and in that creation, to "see" God.
I was frustrated, disappointed and was about to turn around and go home.
Then I "heard" a voice.
"The challenge is to see God even in places where mankind has intruded." 
It is still a challenge. But I try.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Dawn's Light


In the deepest dark of night remember soon will come the dawn. During times of confusion, remember the light of understanding is behind the veil. When people attempt to drag you into their drama, remember they have no power; never did, never will.

Prayer ignites the fire to guide you. Devotion sees the path clearly. Faith dispels all obstacles. 

Every challenge is a chance to grow, to gain strength, to understand, to use abilities you didn't know existed.

John 16:33  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Therefore, continue upon your path without fear or hesitation. Have faith the light will always overcome the dark.


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Quiet Storm


Stillness precedes a storm as nature gathers energy from the air, rain and earth. Then fierce winds topple weak trees. Rain washes away dirt. Lightening splits rocks. Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and earthquakes are creation's great force altering the landscape; removing what is dead or dying, setting rivers on a new course and humbling humanity.

As it is in nature, so too does the soul rise up in anger. Obstacles are demolished. The dead and sick are blown away. Anger strikes in all directions. The soul thunders, "Enough!"  In the aftermath, stillness returns and where there was darkness, only the light of God remains.

Matthew 21:12-13
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of thieves.”  

Monday, October 13, 2014


"Help us to be ever faithful gardeners of the spirit, who know that without darkness nothing comes to birth, and without light nothing flowers."
- May Sarton

The sun rises on my smile.
Fresh eyes see the dawn
The dust of this world has vanished in the night.


Saturday, October 11, 2014

back again

This is just a diary, just a place to write down thoughts, record actions, keep a record of walking in this world.

So - went to San Diego to attend the wedding of a dear friend, Lilian C. I've known her for years but hadn't seen her for the longest time up until last year when she came to Tucson for the Gem Show.

It was as if time and space was meaningless. Our friendship was still fresh, joyful and loving.

Her wedding to Jim G. was simple but elegant. It was outdoors, of course (I suspect it's a law in Southern California LOL) . Family and friends came from all over the United States. It was a celebration of real love.

I blessed the couple by having everyone in attendance raise their hands towards Lilian and Jim, had them remember the love and friendship they felt for the couple and asked them to bless the couple with those feelings. (The next day, another couple asked if I'd return to San Diego and do the same for their wedding next year)

On another note: next to the hotel where I stayed was SAN RAFAEL Church. 

On Saturday was The Blessings of the Animals: lots of dogs, a few cats and some turtles. It was a nice distraction for Lilian's grandchildren. On Sunday I attended Mass.  The priest was obviously from Africa and must have been new there because he had to introduce himself to the congregation.

Well, all weekend long, watching the news on the hotel TV, I couldn't help but think about the Ebola outbreak, particularly concerning 
Thomas Eric Duncan, 42, a Liberian (who died Wednesday at the Dallas hospital where he had been found to have Ebola on Sept. 30).


I thought to myself, "If the priest sneezes, it's all over. There'll be a stampede.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

goodbye for now


Maybe. Who knows?  It's a big world. :-)

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Just laughing at it all


and I also like this quote:
"Only if we are secure in our beliefs 
can we see the comical side of the universe."
FLANNERY O'CONNOR

I spent most of the day just laughing at it all. Sorry to disappoint the people who tried to upset me, but I can't help but see the humor in it. I understand you've done it before and tried the same tactic with others, but it all seems so foolish. 

There is a reason Christ said, "Love your enemies." Anything else will just drag you down, take you to their level of anger, resentment and hate. I would add as a subtitle to his saying, "Don't let anyone or anything take away the love in your heart."

I feel sorry for anyone who tries. They really don't know what they are doing to themselves. 

So, my attitude is just laugh and walk away.