The inspirational calendar hanging in my bedroom has this to say for January: "Believe that something wonderful is about to happen." That sentiment takes on greater meaning now that I am dealing with a fractured arm! I could see it as ironic -- a fractured arm is anything but wonderful! Or I could see it as a call to take a contemplative stance towards this situation -- to look beyond what seems to be "obviously" bad luck.
Of course, with this latest setback, I'm concerned about being in shape for the Camino. But can I trust that, regardless of what this accident looks like, "something wonderful is about to happen"?
And what about you, dear reader?
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Monday, January 6, 2014
Centering Prayer
In one of the books I read, Grandma's on the Camino: Reflections on a 48-Day Walking Pilgrimage to Santiago, by Mary O'Hara Wyman, I was impressed with the power the practice of Centering Prayer had on the author. Sometimes Mary would have very difficult, exhausting days, and be tempted to end her pilgrimage. She even fell a few times! But when she'd find a spot to sit and do Centering Prayer, that pause would not only refresh, but also give her the courage to continue the journey. If I remember correctly, Mary was in her 70's and making the pilgrimage to Santiago alone. What an example of the power of prayer!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Le Regard
"Regarding" demands awareness and takes energy.
Kevin A. Codd has this to say about Le Regard (To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim's Journey to Santiago de Compostela):
The French existentialists write much about le regard, the look, as a fundamental principle of human relationships. If I remember my philosophy classes from years ago, good regard makes another person or thing a subject in relationship with me. The other is no longer then just an object, an "it," something outside of me, the existentialists say. It makes you and me an us. Bad regard or no regard keeps us trapped in a loveless and meaningless world where no one ever knows anyone... Regarding is one of the best lessons I am slowly learning on this road. Truly looking at things, beholding, appreciating, pondering, allowing them into me; this is what happens when I notice a flower or a person or talk to an old statue of Santiago in a niche somewhere.
I don't have to wait to walk the Camino. How can I practice "Le Regard" today?
Kevin A. Codd has this to say about Le Regard (To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim's Journey to Santiago de Compostela):
The French existentialists write much about le regard, the look, as a fundamental principle of human relationships. If I remember my philosophy classes from years ago, good regard makes another person or thing a subject in relationship with me. The other is no longer then just an object, an "it," something outside of me, the existentialists say. It makes you and me an us. Bad regard or no regard keeps us trapped in a loveless and meaningless world where no one ever knows anyone... Regarding is one of the best lessons I am slowly learning on this road. Truly looking at things, beholding, appreciating, pondering, allowing them into me; this is what happens when I notice a flower or a person or talk to an old statue of Santiago in a niche somewhere.
I don't have to wait to walk the Camino. How can I practice "Le Regard" today?
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