Hesychia

 

 

Today started and ended at the Medicine Wheel. Some Native Americans used these “sacred hoops” in rites and rituals. This one is a copy, about a 45 minute hike through the desert from the retreat center. I left at sunrise to pray there and returned at sunset to close out my day.

Facing north, I prayed for balance between hardship and blessing.

Facing east, I praised God for wisdom to fill each day.

Facing south, I prayed that God would create in me a generous heart.

Facing west, I prayed that when my life comes to a close, I will be filled with joy and gratitude for the gifts of each day.

With my arms raised to the sky, I renewed my vow to make this world a better place. With my feet planted firmly on the sand, I reminded myself that I am but one part of creation.

This was a good way to begin and end this day. And you know what? You can pray this too…no medicine wheel required.

 

Today we learned about using images in spiritual direction. This is called “Visio Divina,” sacred seeing. Images speak to us in ways words cannot. A classic Visio Divina question is: “What image represents your spiritual life right now?” Ask yourself this question. There is no wrong answer. Let an image rise to the surface and then ponder what it might mean. What does it say about where God is moving (or not) in you? Or, you can look at an image and ask: what do you see in this image, what does this image say about your spiritual life, how does this image speak to an encounter you have had with God? So look at the image above–it’s a lovely time of year to be in the desert–and tell me what you see.

Simple Gifts

Today was our “room refresher” day. New sheets! New towels! Clean bathroom! We were told that housekeeping would be by this morning. Well, “housekeeping” is one woman. There are fourteen of us in the Hesychia School plus a number of other guests. She had her hands full. Simply stopping by each room for the dirty linens is a chore. I’m sure it is also her job to wash it all. She delivered the fresh, scrubbed our dirty toilets, cleaned our sinks and showers, and still managed to make this adorable towel elephant to brighten my day. What a sweet, simple gift! I don’t know her name, but I will by tomorrow. And somehow I’ll figure out how to share a sweet, simple gift in return.

 

The Shy Soul

We’ve talked a lot about “honoring the shy soul” this week. Souls are like forest animals: hiding in the depths, making sure it’s safe before they venture out into the open. Quick, hasty movements, and they’re back in the shadows again. Eye rolls, unkind words, impatience, sarcasm, untrustworthiness… all of these things scare the shy soul. Peace, love, kindness, self-control, gentleness on the other hand? This fruit is good for the soul. Lord, may we be a sanctuary where the shy soul can come without fear. May we be a sanctuary of welcome and peace.