I have learnt something new about discernment: it is important to have a realistic knowledge of oneself: abilities, gifts, skills, character and so on. So often, the enemy of the human promotes lowered self-worth and self-denigration sometimes, with particular subtlety, in the guise of spiritual humility; but it is damaging to think one is less … Continue reading Discernment
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Identity
An assertion: my identity — my sense of self, of me — is rooted in the sensations of this body. If these sensations change, e.g. during serious illness, or as the result of an accident (as happened to me when I was knocked off my bike and broke my arm), then my sense of who … Continue reading Identity
Movements
There are two movements: outwards to the world — opening the pores of this body to sounds, sensations, the other, the Other — moving to an opening in and to love; inwards to this body and attending to this body's voice, in tenderness and interest. "Breathing in I go back to the island within myself." … Continue reading Movements
Levels of Body Prayer
Relaxation Awareness of the breath Awareness of physical sensations Attend to the ‘stories’ this body has to tell, it's messages; learn to be at home Let this body tell you who you are Let this body be ((in) God) One never moves on from earlier stages, but one moves deeper into them as each new … Continue reading Levels of Body Prayer
What I learnt today
This body can be still even as the mind chatters away. Let this body do the praying.
Falling in love
I was given this quote from Fr Pedro Arrupe, sj this morning. Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in … Continue reading Falling in love
Going Home
This body will return to earth become one, again, with the round world: seep into soil, dissolve decay into richness life-giving dust, remnants of a kind flame, scattered motes of blown smoke collected by the smallest of creatures; water, the most of me, pattering outside a listener's window becomes Water of Life once more runs … Continue reading Going Home
Thomas and Friends
I was listening to a patient (RIP 7 June) this morning talking about how useless she feels just lying in bed all day without anything to do, feeling guilty that everyone is looking after her, being so kind, and that she can't help anyone in return. I was reminded of the stories of Thomas the … Continue reading Thomas and Friends
How to pray
The anonymous, 14th century author of the Cloud of Unknowing gives this advice in chapter 3 on how to pray: This is what you are to do: lift your heart up to the Lord, with a gentle stirring of love desiring him for his own sake and not for his gifts. Centre all you attention … Continue reading How to pray
Speckled Wood
I saw another butterfly on the way to the hospital — a speckled wood. I prepared myself for the possibility by bringing my camera and snapped it myself.