The Way of Inward Silence
Some have questioned if contemplation is an "Eastern" practice disguised, fearing it opens the door to devilry. But this concern arises from unfamiliarity with our own rich Christian inheritance - the blazing path forged by Desert mystics centuries ago.
It began with the holy hermits like Antony, who in 270 CE led an exodus into Egypt's wildernesses. Thousands followed,iszekingto become Christ's likeness through disciplined life and prayer. An alternative community ablaze with love for the Incarnate One.
More than beliefs or dogmas, the Desert way focused on the how - the journey of surrendering through silence into the always-too-muchness of God. Their embodied wisdom cannot be grasped by rational mind alone, which is perhaps why it faded during the Enlightenment's rise.
For the primary quest of abbas and ammas was for Love itself. All else was at best means to this end, mere practices devoid of content without love's enlivening fire. As Merton wrote, in their sayings we find "repeated insistence on the primacy of love over everything else."
To seek this deepest intimacy, the Desert way prescribed: leaving systems of the world, some degree of external solitude, intervals of interior stillness to quiet the mind's madness, and "technologies" to rein in unruly thoughts and passions. All undertaken not for escapism but for the sake of becoming capable of authentic love and communion.
Contemplation formed the bedrock for building a new civilization - a way of seeing that does not grasp at singular meanings but respects all creation's inherent dignity as God's image. A consciousness that transcends us/them labeling in order to encounter the Beloved's vast Presence suffusing the whole.
In our world's urgencies, we need this rich treasury more than ever. The inward path of silence which paradoxically opens our eyes to the primacy of love over all else. The radical way that divests of false selfing in order to be remade as bearers of Divine Friendship across all boundaries.
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 standing at the edge of a vast desert landscape. The sun beats down, casting long shadows across the sand dunes. This is the setting where the Desert Fathers and Mothers embarked on their spiritual journeys.
Centuries ago, figures like Antony chose a path of solitude and prayer, seeking to deepen their connection with the Divine. They weren't looking for escape, but for a way to become living reflections of Christ's love.
Their focus wasn't on intellectual understanding, but on a heart-centered experience. They sought to surrender to the overwhelming presence of God, a love that transcended mere words or doctrines.
Feel the quietude of the desert seep into your bones. Allow the chatter of your mind to settle, like dust settling in the still air. This isn't about emptying your mind, but creating space for a deeper truth to emerge.
As Thomas Merton wrote, love was the cornerstone of their way of life. It wasn't just an emotion, but a consuming fire that fueled their pursuit of God.
Think about the ways you can cultivate this love in your own life. Perhaps it means seeking solitude for reflection, quieting the external noise to hear the whispers within.
This inward journey isn't about becoming self-absorbed, but about becoming a better vessel for love. It's about stripping away any barriers that prevent you from fully experiencing and sharing God's love with the world.
The Desert tradition offers a unique perspective on seeing the world. It teaches us to see the inherent dignity in all creation, recognizing the Divine spark in everything around us.
Imagine the vastness of the desert expanding beyond your physical vision. It represents the all-encompassing presence of love, embracing everything and everyone.
In our fast-paced world, this inner well of love and stillness is needed more than ever. It offers a path to true connection, a way to transcend separation and embrace the Beloved in all its forms.
Take a few more deep breaths, integrating this sense of love and expanded awareness. When you're ready, gently open your eyes, carrying the whispers of the Desert Fathers into your world, ready to share the light of divine love.
