YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN KATHRYN PILE FOR CENTERING MEDITATION THURSDAY 5PM 24 August 2021
Dear Meditators
Today our meditation is taken once again from Gabriele Uhlein’s book called Meditations with Hildegard of Bingen. I’ve chosen this particular book, as it is the very first book to translate Hildegard’s work into English – in 1983. Hildegard died in 1179 in her 80’s, a remarkable woman…a doctor and prophet, musician and poet, dramatist, and physicist, a leader of both men and women, lover of the earth and all creation, she represents the big link between Christian spirituality and pre-patriarchal spiritualties. Her writings were presented at a Papal Synod in 1147/48, were well received and her fame quickly spread.
It is helpful when approaching these writings to contemplate them as divine inspirations of a highly symbolic nature…through which “we are dared not only to enjoy the ecstasy of God but with accountability, meet every creature with grace.”
Commencing last week, I’ll cover the three main themes of this book:
- God – The Divine
- Cosmos (or Earth) – The Manifestation of God
- Humankind – Co-creators of Divine Manifestation
This week on the theme…Cosmos – The Manifestation of God:
- Humankind should ponder God…recognize God’s wonders and signs. / Let these signs and wonders be the firmament on which to build, / so as not to be shaken by fear, / or distracted from the love of God. The blowing wind, / the mild, moist air, / the exquisite greening / of the trees and grasses – In their beginning, / in their ending, / they give God their praise.
- The air, / with its penetrating strength, / characterizes / the victorious banner that is trust. / It gives light / to the fire’s flame / and sprinkles / the imagination of believers / with the dew of hope./ Thus does trust show the way. / Those who breathe this dew / long for heavenly things. / They carry within / refreshing, / fulfilling, / greening love, / with which they hasten to the aid of all. / With the passion of heavenly yearning, / they produce rich fruit.
Relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, your will and intention on “recognizing God’s wonder and signs…casting aside fear…and being one with nature, in his loving Presence.
Love and every blessing
Kathryn
Gabriele Uhlein, Hildegard of Bingen – Meditations with. p 46, 47, 68, 69, 71
We are using this app to assist.
https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/centering-prayer-mobile-app
Remember to watch an introduction to Centering Prayer Meditation with Kathryn. You can see it here
Let us know how you are finding this time – we always like to hear from you😊
Peace and health at this time.
Irene & Damien