Just reading your words has a calming effect, like time itself just pauses for a moment. It has always been like that from the very first Microseasons essay I read.
Sara, the calm is what I'm always trying to pass along. You're so kind to let it circle back.
This morning, I loved seeing your latest batch of pottery come out of the kiln--just as you had imagined. Voila! The patterns and colors brought beauty. It's surreal to drink my coffee from a mug that was clay in your hands.
It is surreal to me too - I don't think I will ever not be amazed by the fact that something I made is being used by someone on the other side of the street let alone on the other side of the world!! :D
I loved this, not least because Mark's an incredible poet.
I have my own practice with this, Ann, that I started to take more seriously in the past year. It's very much helped and has become part of my day.
You're right that while the natural world allows for giving attention, sometimes calm, contemplative prayer is exactly what's called for in a busy office or the DMV.
James, it makes sense that you would be called to contemplative prayer. I'm always seeing ripples of it in your writing, in your love of nature, and in your patient calligraphy. I'm so glad you're noticing how silent prayer can start to infuse your days. It's especially good for parents--for greater peace and calm. To always know that we are not alone on an ordinary Tuesday. I'm very unfussy about my prayer now--it's become the everyday lens that I see life through. So much so, that I had a hard time putting this into words on the page. Mark's poem helped me give it some shape when I could have gone off rambling, or given up. Thanks so much for reading.
I have a decades long practice of daily contemplative reading and meditation, often inspired by Franciscan practices but also including the Persian poets and Buddhist writings. It is akin to your Christian contemplative prayer. It has been both a saving grace and a formative exercise.
Reading your perspective and experience felt like a comforting treat, reminding me how many of us are scattered -- yet connected. -- throughout this wonderful world. I am so very grateful for you and all that you share, Ann.
Kim, it makes me so glad to comfort you in any way. I love your caring heart! This is definitely counter-cultural right now. It's not normal for us to be quiet and gentle. There's so much anger, fear, and shame driving people apart. So much focus on drama and division. I'm grateful for all the ways contemplative prayer helps focus my heart, soul, and mind on God. This way of prayer helps me to keep seeing ways to love my neighbors (my patients, my friends & family) more each day. Thank you so much for reading!
Thank you for this meditation. Contemplative prayer is becoming a richer part of my life as I encounter midlife insomnia. I will hold you in my heart when next I am sleepless.
Such beautiful words, Ann. Contemplative in themselves. My practice is to breathe and utter a mantra I have said for many years. Anytime, anywhere. When we traveled to China to adopt our now 30 year old daughter, I was utterly transported as I prayed my mantra in a temple dedicated to Kuan Yin. She is considered the Goddess of compassion and unconditional love. I couldn't speak, my heart was so full. Blessings to you and your family, dear Ann.
Thirty years goes by in the blink of an eye, and your memory reads as if it were yesterday. I hear how much you love your daughter, Roseanne. How much you cherish being a mother. 💛
I don’t usually reach for my phone when I have insomnia, but I’m so glad I did right now - this post is worth being awake for! Thank you for the gift of calm and kindness you give to the world. I’m going to go close my eyes with a soft mantra now.
I drink my coffee at the same time, by the same window every morning to appreciate the tiny miraculous nature of its taste or contemplate the extraordinary nature of my changing daily realities. Or I drink it feeling besieged. I drink it hurriedly, not quite ever fully present, but also not wanting the ritual to end. My precious time alone about to end too soon. My own set time, but a time set against the world's besieging time. Routine as defense against reality becomes my own self constructed temporary prison cell, repeatedly visited until made permanent. A place where I go to close the door and lock it from the inside. My precious quiet, my only way of keeping the world at bay. - David Whyte
Just reading your words has a calming effect, like time itself just pauses for a moment. It has always been like that from the very first Microseasons essay I read.
Thank you.
Well said, Sara. I feel the same way.
Me too. Ann makes me see the world under a warm, gentle light. Happy Easter to you all!
Happy Easter to you too!
💚🐣
Portia, I'm so grateful for you and your kindness. Have a beautiful and peace-filled Easter!
Julie, thank you. Somehow, you always seem to understand the intention behind the words. And I so appreciate you telling me. Much love to you.
Sara, the calm is what I'm always trying to pass along. You're so kind to let it circle back.
This morning, I loved seeing your latest batch of pottery come out of the kiln--just as you had imagined. Voila! The patterns and colors brought beauty. It's surreal to drink my coffee from a mug that was clay in your hands.
Ann! How did I miss this?
🙏🏽
It is surreal to me too - I don't think I will ever not be amazed by the fact that something I made is being used by someone on the other side of the street let alone on the other side of the world!! :D
☺️☕️
Contemplative gaze...
attention, to be given,
not paid, sold, stolen.
Thank you, Marisol! So glad you found something here.💛
I loved this, not least because Mark's an incredible poet.
I have my own practice with this, Ann, that I started to take more seriously in the past year. It's very much helped and has become part of my day.
You're right that while the natural world allows for giving attention, sometimes calm, contemplative prayer is exactly what's called for in a busy office or the DMV.
Thanks so much for sharing this.
James, it makes sense that you would be called to contemplative prayer. I'm always seeing ripples of it in your writing, in your love of nature, and in your patient calligraphy. I'm so glad you're noticing how silent prayer can start to infuse your days. It's especially good for parents--for greater peace and calm. To always know that we are not alone on an ordinary Tuesday. I'm very unfussy about my prayer now--it's become the everyday lens that I see life through. So much so, that I had a hard time putting this into words on the page. Mark's poem helped me give it some shape when I could have gone off rambling, or given up. Thanks so much for reading.
I have a decades long practice of daily contemplative reading and meditation, often inspired by Franciscan practices but also including the Persian poets and Buddhist writings. It is akin to your Christian contemplative prayer. It has been both a saving grace and a formative exercise.
Reading your perspective and experience felt like a comforting treat, reminding me how many of us are scattered -- yet connected. -- throughout this wonderful world. I am so very grateful for you and all that you share, Ann.
Kim, it makes me so glad to comfort you in any way. I love your caring heart! This is definitely counter-cultural right now. It's not normal for us to be quiet and gentle. There's so much anger, fear, and shame driving people apart. So much focus on drama and division. I'm grateful for all the ways contemplative prayer helps focus my heart, soul, and mind on God. This way of prayer helps me to keep seeing ways to love my neighbors (my patients, my friends & family) more each day. Thank you so much for reading!
Thank you for this meditation. Contemplative prayer is becoming a richer part of my life as I encounter midlife insomnia. I will hold you in my heart when next I am sleepless.
Midlife sleep issues are brutal, but that's a beautiful way to dedicate those hours, Kortney.
I'll do the same for you, my friend.
Such beautiful words, Ann. Contemplative in themselves. My practice is to breathe and utter a mantra I have said for many years. Anytime, anywhere. When we traveled to China to adopt our now 30 year old daughter, I was utterly transported as I prayed my mantra in a temple dedicated to Kuan Yin. She is considered the Goddess of compassion and unconditional love. I couldn't speak, my heart was so full. Blessings to you and your family, dear Ann.
Thirty years goes by in the blink of an eye, and your memory reads as if it were yesterday. I hear how much you love your daughter, Roseanne. How much you cherish being a mother. 💛
Thank you, friend for sharing this practice of prayer and attentive stillness.
I don’t usually reach for my phone when I have insomnia, but I’m so glad I did right now - this post is worth being awake for! Thank you for the gift of calm and kindness you give to the world. I’m going to go close my eyes with a soft mantra now.
I drink my coffee at the same time, by the same window every morning to appreciate the tiny miraculous nature of its taste or contemplate the extraordinary nature of my changing daily realities. Or I drink it feeling besieged. I drink it hurriedly, not quite ever fully present, but also not wanting the ritual to end. My precious time alone about to end too soon. My own set time, but a time set against the world's besieging time. Routine as defense against reality becomes my own self constructed temporary prison cell, repeatedly visited until made permanent. A place where I go to close the door and lock it from the inside. My precious quiet, my only way of keeping the world at bay. - David Whyte
Mmmm… thank you. Coffee is a joy.