Below, everything danced in the darting breeze~~leaves of the gnarled tree caught mid~way in transition to gold, bushes stretching along the fenceline, tall grasses running out to meet the road.
Everything shimmied and quivered, swayed and trembled.
I was being treated to one of those glorious moments when the veil lifts and Life shines out unencumbered. At such times, our vision spontaneously deepens. That tree and this bush cease to be objects held at arm's length; they pulse with the joyful breath of the Infinite~~right here, right now. And something deep within us responds in kind.
Most religious traditions include a meditative or mystical thread which teaches that the Sacred can be perceived within the small moments of our own small lives. We are urged to be fully present with what is.
Of course, this is easier said than done. These minds of ours are quite skilled at carrying us away into one imagined scenario or another. Just because our brains are otherwise engaged, though, does not change the fact that this world vibrates with the Divine.
While the veil can lift spontaneously at any time, these incidents seem to arrive as gifts hoping to whet our appetite for more. We can indeed cultivate such moments, gathering them together like beads on a living and ever~expanding rosary.
While it is quite the trick to live in this state always, it is not really so difficult to taste of it. It is there for the savoring~~even right in this very moment.
As you read these words, your awareness might expand to include your surroundings and the objects and living creatures with whom you share your space. You may notice the quality of the air as it touches your skin, or the sounds and smells it carries your way. Each rise and fall of your breath and every beat of your own tender heart could call you more deeply into this present moment. And you might also, through this heightened awareness, find yourself greeting the edges of that animating Force that supports and enlivens it all.
It whispers in the rush of water streaming over thirsty skin as we bathe. It breathes with us as we drive, alone or with children laughing or sulking in the backseat. It calls as we slice vegetables for our evening meal, and sings as we kiss the cheek of a loved one good-night. And it is there, too, offering Itself when we awaken suddenly in the deepest darkness.
Yes, the Mystery is always there. The choice to openly receive, however, is ours alone.
And the sheer life of it all pulled me from my preoccupations. I felt the vitality, and my soul roused in response. There was a palpable energy afoot, difficult to ignore. I don't know if my pace changed, but there surely must have been a shift in the quality of the steps I took. I walked aware and in awe. Open.
I was being treated to one of those glorious moments when the veil lifts and Life shines out unencumbered. At such times, our vision spontaneously deepens. That tree and this bush cease to be objects held at arm's length; they pulse with the joyful breath of the Infinite~~right here, right now. And something deep within us responds in kind.
Most religious traditions include a meditative or mystical thread which teaches that the Sacred can be perceived within the small moments of our own small lives. We are urged to be fully present with what is.
Of course, this is easier said than done. These minds of ours are quite skilled at carrying us away into one imagined scenario or another. Just because our brains are otherwise engaged, though, does not change the fact that this world vibrates with the Divine.
While the veil can lift spontaneously at any time, these incidents seem to arrive as gifts hoping to whet our appetite for more. We can indeed cultivate such moments, gathering them together like beads on a living and ever~expanding rosary.
While it is quite the trick to live in this state always, it is not really so difficult to taste of it. It is there for the savoring~~even right in this very moment.
As you read these words, your awareness might expand to include your surroundings and the objects and living creatures with whom you share your space. You may notice the quality of the air as it touches your skin, or the sounds and smells it carries your way. Each rise and fall of your breath and every beat of your own tender heart could call you more deeply into this present moment. And you might also, through this heightened awareness, find yourself greeting the edges of that animating Force that supports and enlivens it all.
The Mystery is there always, offering Itself to us.
It whispers in the rush of water streaming over thirsty skin as we bathe. It breathes with us as we drive, alone or with children laughing or sulking in the backseat. It calls as we slice vegetables for our evening meal, and sings as we kiss the cheek of a loved one good-night. And it is there, too, offering Itself when we awaken suddenly in the deepest darkness.
Yes, the Mystery is always there. The choice to openly receive, however, is ours alone.
May you gather some rosary beads of your own in the coming week.
Blessings!
Loanne Marie
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