We find ourselves continuously drawn to the profound unity that exists in all of creation. Merton’s description of the cosmic dance resonates with us, echoing our own experiences of connection. In moments of quiet observation—starlit nights, migrating birds, or a simple splash in a pond—we glimpse the interwoven nature of life. The soul of the world and our own souls are not separate; they move together in a rhythm that transcends time and space. This dance reminds us of the enduring harmony that exists beyond the noise of our daily lives. It grounds us, helping us reconnect with what truly matters. In this shared experience, we are never alone. We are part of something far greater.
May we always be attuned to the cosmic dance
that connects us to all of creation,
grounding us in unity and reminding us
that we are never alone.
(inspired by Joyce Rupp, The Cosmic Dance; Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation)
When we are alone on a starlit night; when by chance we see the migrating birds in autumn descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see children in a moment when they are really children; when we know love in our own hearts; or when, like the Japanese poet Bashō we hear an old frog land in a quiet pond with a solitary splash—at such times the awakening, the turning inside out of all values, the “newness,” the emptiness and the purity of vision that make themselves evident, provide a glimpse of the cosmic dance. —Thomas Merton