I have gotten into the habit of beginning my day with meditation. It justseems that my day goes better if I can start off with this practice. In the beginning it felt like a duty - now it is something that I look forward to. I take my cup of coffee or tea, do a couple of readings, and then sit still before my little altar. Before I settle I offer prayers, then try to be still, receptive. Often I use Robert Ellsberg's book, All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time. He includes traditionally recognized "Saints" and also many people whose lives offer models of living that are inspiring.
I like John O'Donahue's poems, using his book To Bless the Space Between Us.
Lately, I've been reading from Jan Richardson's In the Sanctuary of Women. She has wonderful short pieces that are perfect for reflection. I want to share this morning's poem with you, and if you find this intriguing, you may want to look for her book. In this chapter she is reflecting on the work of Hildegard of Bingen and her depiction of the Virtues as women.
Longing Stands Next to Patience
Longing would sometimes
like to be assigned
a different spot.
Would like to be less near
this one who approaches everything
with such equanimity.
Would like some distance
from the measured way
that Patience marks time,
holds herself with such politeness
toward its passing.
Patience knows this
about Longing.
Accepts it,
even loves it about her.
This makes Longing
crazy.
Patience has not told her
she has some envy
of Longing's perfect ache
or that she thinks
it must be an art
to hold oneself
so perpetually poised
toward the horizon.
For her part,
Longing has not confessed
that there are days
she finds Patience restful.
Soothing. A relief.
Meanwhile,
by little
and by little,
so slowly its appearance
will startle them both,
a horizon is drawing near.
May you find the guides that bring joy, peace, and gratitude and challenge to your days.
