Meditation Moments: Mind a Beginning?

In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, 

but in the expert's mind 

there are few. 

                         ― Shunryu Suzuki* [1904-1971]




Dear Most Enlightened Teacher, please help me to recapture my beginner's mind, the one that was insatiably curious, hungry for spiritual experience, searching for enlightenment, eager to sit at Your feet and be filled with the pearls and diamonds of Your wisdom and teaching. I want to recapture the energy and the mystery and set aside much of what I now "know" through academic and intellectual study. I want to learn in new ways with a fresh unfinished mind that is wide with wonder like those who have only just begun their first encounters with You. Take me out of my self, encourage me through monkey-mind, and teach me to work inside and reach deeply for the silent illumination that calls me back time and again, to practice and to practice and to practice, now and forever, until I apprehend the beginning.  amen.



*Shunyru Suzuki, a Sōtō Zen monk, born and trained in Japan, opened the first Buddhist monastery outside of Asia. He is widely known for his book, Zen Mind, Beginniner's Mind which was the onset of the popularization of Zen Buddhism in the West. He founded the San Francisco Zen Center and affiliate temples.  



Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Meditation Moments: Benedict and this Rule thing

All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ...

Listen and attend with 

the ear of your heart.
From The Rule of St. Benedict 

~ St. Benedict of Nursia, Abbot* [c480-543-7]
Celebrated by the Church on July 11

Definition of RULE (Merriam-Webster)

a :  a prescribed guide for conduct or action

b :  the laws or regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for observance by its members

c :  an accepted procedure, custom, or habit
d (1) :  a usually written order or direction made by a court regulating court practice or the action of parties (2) :  a legal precept or doctrine
e :  a regulation or bylaw governing procedure or controlling conduct 

Dear Supreme Abbot,

          I can listen to people deeply and I can work a bit harder at finding Jesus in them, but this Rule thing...it's that word...I'm seriously resistant to the word Rule. I know about Commandments but isn't that a different kind of God thing? There are so many laws, ordinances, and statutes telling me what I may and may not do in life, most of which I take for granted and obey without any specific awareness. I had rules as a child, in school, at work, but to think of following a Rule for my spiritual life sounds like a lot of effort. Isn't it enough that I go to Sunday church more often than not, give money, and try to remember to pray at various times? I'm a reasonably nice person, oh, and I'm faithful, too, at least I'm pretty sure that I am. 

        Okay, so maybe the word Guide works better for me, a plan of things to do to build up my spiritual side. Perhaps it will help me feel a bit more like having that relationship with You that I hear about but haven't really connected with for myself. And You want me to follow this Rule Guide as part of a community? This is getting bigger again, just when I thought I was getting a handle on it. So then, what if I take a look at this Guide and see if I know anyone else who wants to look at it with me. We could meet as a community  small group and walk through it to learn more about it together. It can't hurt - maybe try a prayer service of some kind outside of Sunday morning and see what that's like. Oh, I'm just so busy with work and the family and the household....but, am I really too busy to spend a little time with You? How can that be, if I'm as faithful as I like to think I am? I'm willing to try - maybe there are others who would like to try along with me. Will You help me take that first step, please? I think I could just be ready to know You better. You do listen with the ear of Your heart - could it be that I'll be welcomed as Christ?  amen.

     

*St. Benedict of Nursia founded 12 monastic communities in Italy and developed The Rule to foster spiritual growth in personal and communal life as well as giving specifics on administration of the monastery, and the role its Abbot. It has resonated through the ages with lay and ordained alike, in monastic and secular communities, anywhere people are seeking God through a way of life that fits where they are without being merely a set of religious prescriptions. Benedict and his Rule are celebrated by Catholics and Anglicans alike in our own day through Benedictine Communities of various sizes, shapes, and locations around the world.

Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Meditation Moments: Still a-MAZE-ing

I have not failed. 

I have just found 

10,000 ways 

that won't work.

                 ~ Thomas Edison* [1847-1931]



      Spirit of the Maze that is Life, there are days when I get lost in trying to find my direction. I go one way and hit a wall, turn around and go in the opposite direction, turn left, turn right, and I have lost my way, again. I turn around and start over, and, repeat. 
                  Okay so I've been through this track 'way too many times but here I am again asking You for a map to find my way. I know I've made promises I haven't kept very well, but I really mean it this time - I wholeheartedly promise to keep trying. Maybe just feeling Your presence will give me the perseverance to keep moving. One of these paths will be the Good one and with You on my side, I'll know it's right when the light bulb goes on.  amen.

      
*Thomas Edison, American inventor best known for the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and, of course, a practical light bulb and there is so much more. Holding almost 1200 patents, his inventions and business acumen still informs many of the designs and methods of today's technology. He has an extensive biography that is well worth investigating.




Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Meditation Moments: Tacking or Jibing?

photo by Christina Brennan Lee
at Broad Bay, NZ

She stood in the storm 

and when the wind 

did not blow her way, 

she adjusted her sails.

                            Elizabeth Edwards* [1949-2010]

          It's so easy and comfortably trite to say "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." It's a kindly thought and there's a limited amount of folksy wisdom in it. But, Lord of the Wind and Sea of Life, sometimes life hands out orchards of difficulty, grief, and anguish. Yet even in the midst of all of that there are happy moments, satisfying times, there is ordinary. 
          It's no use comparing my stuff with anyone else's, mine is always more important to me even though I recognize and empathize with the trials and tragedies of others. And I'm certain that I'm entitled to my fair share of wails, whines, and whimpers, for a time. But when it is time to move forward, please do not let me stall, becalmed by procrastination or inertia. Point me in the right direction, Lord, the one that leads to You; and, if I cannot sail through my life without stormy seas or the occasional eddy throwing me off course, help me then to adjust my sails for the right wind to carry me through.  amen. 


*Elizabeth Edwards, an American Attorney, Health Care Activist, and best-selling author was married to John Edwards, a US Senator with unsuccessful campaigns for US Vice-President and later President. Ms. Edwards dealt well publicly with her husband's rise to prominence and notoriety after a much publicized affair that resulted in an illegitimate child at the time Elizabeth was also coping with breast cancer that ultimately ended her life.





Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayers of the People: Going to Seed, 5th Sunday after Pentecost '17 Yr A

For Sunday, July 13, 2014, Readings: Gen 25: 19-34; Ps 119:105-112; Romans 8:1-11; Mt 13:1-9, 18-23

Van Gogh's The Sower

You are in the Spirit, 

since the Spirit of God 

dwells in you.  

                                       [Romans 8:9]

         This week we have twins who fight, parents who play favorites, and the Master Gardener at work.  

        Not much new these days in the dynamics of family but in terms of our spiritual growth, it's all Good News. The seeds are already planted within us, all we need to do is till, tend, water, feed, and weed, though it's not always quite so simple. Farming is tough work, a 24/7 job on and in the ground.  Good weather and hard work yields a good crop. Bad weather and harder work and a failed crop. Try, try again to clear the rocks, cut back the thorns and clean up the path... if we want it, we've got it. And so it grows. 

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:     ~ Jesus, Sower of Life, You call us each and together to walk in the ways of the Spirit, and to receive, understand, and live into the Word of God. Let the seeds You have given us find good soil in our hearts and take deep root within us.

                              Lord of Mercy, Your Word lights our path

RESPONSE:   May the Spirit of God dwell within us

~ Jesus, Sower of Life, rekindle the fire of grace and goodness in the hearts of the leaders of this world, our nation, and our community. Divert them from the way of thorns into the fertile ground of fairness, honor, and virtue.  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                        Lord of Mercy, Your Word lights our path

                       May the Spirit of God dwell within us

~ Jesus, Sower of Life, light the way to healing for those among us struggling with illness in body, mind, or heart, and ease the burden of those who care for them. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                       Lord of Mercy, Your Word lights our path

                       May the Spirit of God dwell within us

~ Jesus, Sower of Life, grant us the wisdom to carry the right comfort to those who grieve, as we, together, commend to Your care, those who have entered into immortal life in You.  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                       Lord of Mercy, Your Word lights our path

                       May the Spirit of God dwell within us

~ Jesus, Sower of Life, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, silently or aloud………

                       Lord of Mercy, Your Word lights our path

                       May the Spirit of God dwell within us

~ Jesus, Sower of Life, grant a grower’s vitality to those chosen and anointed as the tillers of God’s verdant fields. Guide them as they encourage spiritual growth in ourselves and in community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                       Lord of Mercy, Your Word lights our path

                       May the Spirit of God dwell within us

The Celebrant adds:  O God of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, You have given us the twin gifts of good soil and good seeds planted in our fertile hearts. Grant us the willingness to tend and weed, and to nurture Your Presence within us. We ask this through Jesus, our Sower, and the Spirit, our Enricher, who live and thrive with You, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Meditation Moments: Like a Spare Tire

Life is not the way 

it's supposed to be. 

It's the way it is. 

The way you deal with it
is what makes the difference.

                                  ~ Virginia Satir* [1918-1966]




                 How many times, after something awful has happened, have I heard - and said - "it's just not fair; that shouldn't have happened; it's not the way it's supposed to be..." But yet I can't remember ever saying that when something spectacularly good has happened. How IS life supposed to be?  We are born through no fault of our own, we grow up, go to school, work, marriage or not, divorce or not, kids (or not)...and all the other stuff that happens good or...until...
                 So, God of All That's Supposed to Be, I don't really believe in "Fate," I believe in "Stuff Happens," and that some days, months, weeks, years, are better than others. I know what to do in the good times, but I need Your help in the not-so-wonderful moments. I want to be able to quickly accept the reality of a moment, however crazy, difficult, or tragic, and find a practical way forward - to have a sort of spare tire plan. I've already had a bit of life experience so maybe I can review my initial awareness of when the blowouts hit and think about other ways I might have - or not - reacted. With my car, having a spare tire gives me a first step in measured response rather than all disorganized reaction.
                I can't possibly predict or plan for every eventuality but with Your help, and a lot of deep breathing, I'll have a spare tire attitude ready for almost anything, and someOne to lean on all the way.  amen.


*Virginia Satir was an American author and psychotherapist specializing in family therapy. Her role play formats in family reconstruction and family sculpting among other aspects of her work have been widely used and she received many honors within her profession.  She often used meditation and poetry in her written work and lectures. The following, one of her best known pieces, was written in response to angry teen-aged girl but is certainly useful for us all:

I am me
In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me
Everything that comes out of me is authentically me
Because I alone chose it – I own everything about me
My body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions,
Whether they be to others or to myself – I own my fantasies,
My dreams, my hopes, my fears – I own all my triumphs and
Successes, all my failures and mistakes Because I own all of
Me, I can become intimately acquainted with me – by so doing
I can love me and be friendly with me in all my parts – I know
There are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other
Aspects that I do not know – but as long as I am
Friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously
And hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles
And for ways to find out more about me – However I
Look and sound, whatever I say and do, and whatever
I think and feel at a given moment in time is authentically
Me – If later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought
And felt turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is
Unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something new for that
Which I discarded – I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do
I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be
Productive to make sense and order out of the world of
People and things outside of me – I own me, and
therefore I can engineer me – I am me and
I AM OKAY

                          

Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Meditation Moments: Open Secret

I do not fear death, in view of the fact that I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered from the slightest inconvenience of it.
 ~ Samuel Clemens/Mark Twain* [1835-1910]


                 
            Of course, the inconvenience, aka grief, is for those who are still earthbound, feeling lost, and sometimes not a little shell-shocked. Whatever normal was, it is now really gone. In addition to the enormity of the change of emotional thought now required, there's all the bureaucracy - the paperwork, the notifications, the legalities, the dreadfully ill-timed inconvenience. And mostly because many of us fear the inevitable.  
                   Death is an open-secret usually discussed in hushed tones and quickly diverted to something else. None of us really want to die and we sure don't want to talk about it.  But we do need to think about doing a little preparation for the eventual, the definite, the - yeah, THAT. 
                   Whether or not I believe in eternity with Jesus at the end of life is - for some purposes - irrelevant and another sort of preparation to think about. But what is uppermost in my heart is how do I help those who will be left to do all the work in the midst of missing me (they'd better miss me!)? 
                    Lead me, God of the Inevitables, sooner into the acceptance that my life will end at some point. Let me live into the understanding that all will be well for me and better for my family if I do the planning, the will, living will/advanced directive, what kind of memorial or service, and whatever other arrangements for things to go as I'd like. And guide me to have the conversations with them to explain it on a sunny day when all is well and everyone is healthy. Perhaps if I give it the "matter-of-fact" treatment, we can then move through the cloudy parts quickly and move back into the other reason we got together - just to be together because we can, now. By then, they'll have all they need to do the necessary stuff more easily and they can just remember the many happy nows we have had. And I can go easily on my way into eternity without the slightest inconvenience. amen.



*Samuel Clemens, with his pen name of Mark Twain, was an American author and humorist most famous for his The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He was known as the greatest American humorist of his day leaving a treasure trove of great quotes and he has been called the Father of American literature.











Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.