Meditation for Thursday 12th December 2024

Some years ago I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, an elder from the Nauiyu community of the Daly River in the Northern Territory and 2021 Senior Australian of the Year. Miriam says the greatest gift her people can give others is a respect for contemplation and silence. She calls this Dadirri.

“When I experience Dadirri, I am made whole again.

I can find peace in silent awareness. There is no need for words.

The contemplative way of Dadirri spreads over our whole life.

It renews us and brings us peace.

There is no need to reflect too much and to do a lot of thinking.

It is just being aware.

My people are not threatened by silence. They are completely at home in it.

Our aboriginal culture has taught us to be still and to wait.

To be still brings peace – and it brings understanding.

In greeting each morning, remind yourself of Dadirri by blessing yourself with the words…..

Let tiny drops of stillness fall gently through my day.” *

With Miriam Rose’s words reminding us of silence, awareness, peace, blessing, stillness let us now spend time putting those thoughts into action.

Meditation

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*An edited reflection by Miriam-Rose Ungunmeer -Baumann titled,

“Let Tiny Drops of Stillness Fall Gently Through My Day.”

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