Being present

North Bridge, Edinburgh by Simon Hodge

WHERE AM I?

The soul
could be happier anywhere than where it happens to be.

Roger McGough

Learning to pray doesn’t offer us a less busy life; it offers us a less busy heart.
Paul E. Miller, A Praying Life

But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9

God, whose love and joy
are present everywhere,
can’t come to visit you
unless you aren’t there
Angelus Silesius

WITHDRAWAL?

I take from this chorus of quotes, these witnesses, this suggestion or instruction;

Contemplative living, like a retreat, is a path or means of integration more than of separation, it is not for example a withdrawal from people or from life.  It is eyes wide open rather than closed, a window raised that the rustle of the outdoors and the fresh breeze may be experienced. Integrity* is at stake and being present is an essential ingredient wherever we are; in the street or in a prayer cell.

* of the inner and outer life, of heaven and earth, as expressed and encouraged in the incarnation

This article is copied, with permission, from the website of the Coracle Trust for whom Andrew Hook works part time.