Contemplative prayer invites the long, loving gaze that dissolves our preoccupations into lucid perspective. We let go of smaller self-obsessions, illusions fall away, until only the Real remains obvious, shimmering everywhere. The soul stands revealed - not an achievement but a peaceful unveiling of what eternally is. The true I already one with the Divine I AM.
From this still-point, discernment flowers organically. The soul, tethered to God's deepest desires, naturally perceives the wise course. Rooted in communion, we know the right action not just cerebrally but with our whole being - mind, heart, gut, every cell attending to Spirit's whisper.
Yet contemplation's full circle arcs toward the world, to act in compassionate solidarity with those on the margins. For in our soul-breath practice, we awaken to the terrible truth - the suffering of the world is our very suffering. All anguish unites in this one shared ache, this cosmic Christ-pain endured from below.
Thus authentic contemplation births an interior revolt, a holy insurrection against the forces of domination, disconnect, and dehumanization. We become unable to stay complicit with oppression's false peace. Inner silence ignites outer firebrands of justice.
Never forced or willed, the fruit of consistent presence-practice is a fearless, subversive freedom. An ease of being so simply committed to Love's radical call that winning loses all importance. We simply do what must be done from the soul's transparent clarity.
No longer tossed between drivenness or spiritual bypassing, our activism arises undivided - earthed in contemplative depths yet dynamically engaged in cultivating beloved community. Centered in God yet continually pouring ourselves out for collective liberation. Grounded in eternity, utterly present to this infinitely sacred now.
We become spiritually indestructible in our selfless, joyful insistence on incarnating the dream of a new, just, and peaceable world. Liberated from our smaller stories to enflesh the Greatest Story of all - Love's bodying forth in flesh, forever uniting matter and Spirit into one holy Presence…
Find a comfortable position, sitting or lying down. Close your eyes gently and take a few deep breaths. Inhale slowly and deeply, feeling your breath fill your body. Exhale completely, releasing any tension.
Imagine yourself gazing at a vast landscape – perhaps a mountain range, a calming ocean, or a field bathed in sunlight. Let your gaze be soft and expansive, taking in the beauty without judgment.
As you hold this gaze, feel your worries and concerns begin to fade like mist in the morning sun. Allow the focus on the vastness to quiet the chatter of the mind.
With each exhale, surrender to a sense of letting go. Illusions, anxieties, and self-centered thoughts loosen their grip. The veil thins, revealing a deeper reality.
In this space of stillness, feel a sense of peace descending. This is not a fleeting emotion, but the unveiling of your true self – the soul that has always been one with the Divine I AM.
Rooted in this quiet communion, a wisdom begins to blossom. It's not a product of intellectual thought, but an intuitive knowing that flows from your connection to the source.
The wisdom guides you towards right action, not through external pressure, but through a deep-seated yearning within. Your entire being aligns with this direction – mind, heart, body, all resonating with the whispers of Spirit.
Now, shift your awareness outward, from the inner landscape to the world around you. Notice the suffering that exists – pain both personal and collective, a shared ache rippling through creation.
Recognize the interconnectedness of this suffering. It is not a distant problem, but a reflection of the disharmony within your own contemplative practice if you remain passive.
From this recognition, feel a fire ignite within – a holy rebellion against injustice and division. You can no longer be complicit in the world's sorrows.
This inner fire does not manifest as forceful striving. It's a quiet yet unwavering commitment to Love's call. Winning becomes irrelevant, replaced by a deep need to act with clarity and compassion.
Your actions flow from a state of wholeness – grounded in the depths of contemplation yet actively engaged in creating a better world.
See yourself centered in God's presence, yet pouring your energy into building a more just and peaceful existence for all. You are eternally connected, yet utterly present in this sacred moment.
Take a few more deep breaths, integrating this sense of purpose and interconnectedness. When you're ready, gently open your eyes, carrying the fire of love and the commitment to action into your world.
