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Conversations With a Spider

For the past couple of years I have spent two hours, one Friday per month, in a Spiritual Direction Group. There are four of us in this little band of contemplatives, led by Nancy, our Spiritual Director. Each month we have a short experience, followed by silence, reflection, response, prayer, and more silence. It is one of the most enriching aspects of my life, and it has brought me great joy and insights.  

 

On one of our first gatherings, Nancy gave us the instructions to head out into nature on her beautiful property, find a place that seems to be calling you to come sit, and do just that. Sit, look around, and see what is there for you.  Listen, without expectations. It’s called Wilderness Contemplation. 

 

I love an assignment like this because you can’t possibly do it wrong, and it leaves a lot open to interpretation.  I get to be as woo-woo and magical as I want, no judgment.  So on this day, naturally I had a conversation...

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Yoga of Action (or Inaction)

 

Today I'm picking up where we left off on last week's blog post about how to make decisions you can believe in.  

I was reminded this weekend just how important movement can be to help quiet the mind. I enjoyed an Advent Labyrinth Walk at a friend's property.  Labyrinths are a beautiful setting for walking meditation.  The path is laid out for you.  You simply remain present with your steps and allow your mind to settle.  You can even ask a question at the start of the path, and will perhaps receive an answer by the end.  But as always--non-attachment! True wisdom comes when we step out of life's busyness and into the stillness of nature. 

     

So once you ask the question on your heart, move your body, whether on the mat, in a labyrinth, on your favorite trail, or wherever, and settle in to listen for the answer to the question on your heart, you might have to DO...

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