This is our 31st week on-line. In addition to this printed material you can choose to listen via the attached MP3 file. Remember to take a look at the Carmelite Centre website, thecarmelitecentremelbourne.org as they are offering zoom programs which may be of interest.
“Centuries of travel lore suggest that when we no longer
know where to turn, our real journey has begun.
At that crossroads moment, a voice calls to our pilgrim soul.”
Phil Cousineau, US Author & Filmaker.
Reflection…
When I think about expanding my meditation practice I am reminded of the constraints of time. Modern life, even in lockdown is fast-paced and seems to be getting more so all the time.
There’s a story of a monk who complained to his superior that there was not enough time to practice in the monastery because he had so many chores – sweeping, cleaning, greeting visitors, building, cooking and so forth. The superior asked back, “Is there enough time to be aware?” His question reminds us that everything; yes everything we do in life is a chance to be aware.
Take a typical day and find those moments that offer the possibility of awakening. They can be found anywhere; at work, at leisure, at home.
It’s true that often these moments are in the midst of chaos.
A busy family with children making demands or a hectic workplace that drains your time and attention. It’s also true that ‘spiritual’ life becomes more genuine when things become difficult as it’s usually that at those times we need to exercise a constancy of love and wisdom. When we practice living a meditative life, at those times, we touch the core of practice and find our true spiritual strength.
So extending one’s practice does not necessarily mean making that extra twenty minutes to sit in silent meditation, though this is always beneficial. It means bringing awareness into every aspect of our daily routine. When we do this we begin to live our life in the ‘now’ .. in the present moment.
You might like to dedicate your meditation to those that are affected by Covid-19 virus either through illness, bereavement or unemployment or some special intention of your own.
(Meditate for up to 20 minutes.)
As we go about our daily activities I hope that by being in the present, by remaining mindful we will find joy in the midst of this trial.
Peter