As we crawled into bed last night, we were comforted by the unceasing howl of the wind and the crashing waves; for they had been our constant companions since we arrived on Iona.
Sunday morning fulfilled its promise and we are happy to feel the warmth of the sun!
Today is a day of peace and rest. After Eucharist we discussed Contemplative Prayer, which is the opening of mind and heart—our whole being—to God.
One method to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer is centering prayer. It is based on the wisdom saying of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” We did our first centering prayer session in silence and continued to be silent in prayer through our communal lunch. You can imagine the challenge and peaceful reward of this prayer practice.
Guess what we did for rest!
The weather was fantastic and, after a few days of stormy weather, we were ready to explore the island. It is beautiful. We hiked cross island to the western shore, laughed at baby lambs hopping in the fields, scrambled up hills, and poked around in the sand for special rocks. It was wonderful to enjoy the island’s habitat. Enjoying the beauty of nature is an example of creative rest. The other 6 types of rest are: physical, mental, sensory, emotional, social, and spiritual.
This poem by Kenneth Steven was on my mind today.
HONESTLY
I have searched for God
in the dry echos of tall stone buildings
where the laws are written dark upon the walls.
I have found God
in the broken bread of light across the moorland, as it silvers from the miracle of the earth.
–Kathy DeSanti-Paulini