October 2011 Newsletter

This newsletter is published monthly by the Mystical Order of the White Rose, a multi-faith devotional and spiritual support organization. We support-- and share information about-- mystical, monastic, contemplative and creative ways of living. We encourage prayer, the reading of sacred scripture(s), lectio divina, meditation, journaling, solitude, fasting, silence, sacred movement (dance, mudras, yoga), kindness, hospitality, worship, simplicity, creativity, active involvement in spiritual and religious communities, and loving service to others. You can view past issues here and you can subscribe to the newsletter by clicking here.

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Theme: Contemplative Living Revisited

Table of Contents

-- Quotation: "And I look from the big windows upon the silently falling leaves...." by Faith Baldwin

-- Video: Autumn Colors

-- Article: Peace in the Midst of Uncertainty by Liz Ward

-- Video: Thomas Merton--What is Contemplation?

-- Article: Contemplative Living by Cindy Klassen

-- Video: Contemplation

-- Links of Interest

-- Multi-Faith, Multi-Media Daily Devotionals for October 2011

And I look from the big windows upon the silently falling leaves and upon those which tenaciously remain, and at all the color. For some years at this season I have gone out to look for brilliance and perfection in the leave, detach specimens and send them south to the grandchildren who have never seen a northern autumn. They take them to school to show teachers and classmates, and then make a border decoration of them around their own windows.

This October I took more time. And collecting a number of specimens, taped them to a dozen sheets of paper and wrote upon each sheet the names of the trees: dogwood, burning bush, maple---protected each sheet with another, and sent them to the children in a big envelope, supported by thin cardboard as a further protection.

This is a good month in which to undertake new work, for it is mellow and mature, a bracing breathing space between too hot or too cold weather, and before the slow deepening darkness of short days. It's the month that leads us quietly, almost imperceptibly toward the special official giving of thanks and the first idle snowflake.

-- Faith Baldwin, p. 32-33, Evening Star

Video: Autumn Colors

Peace in the Midst of Uncertainty

by Liz Ward

"no creature that is made that can know
how much and how sweetly and how tenderly
our Creator loves us"
— Julian of Norwich

     Given the daunting economic, social, political, and religious challenges of today and the fierce divisions and demeaning actions sometimes accompanying these challenges, this seems to be a good time to remember the contemplative wisdom of Lady Julian of Norwich. Like us, she knew about the trials and tribulations of life during a turbulent time of disorienting changes. She managed to survive three rounds of the plague that killed almost half of the population of Norwich. She lived through a long, extensive war, famine and serious economic challenges, peasant uprisings, and deep religious divisions. Lollards were thrown in a fire pit for their beliefs and historians believe she could hear their screams in the seclusion of her anchorite cell.

     In the midst of this challenging 14th century life in England, Julian received 16 gifted "showings" as she lay close to death at the age of 30. After her amazing recovery, she wrote the short text of Revelations of Divine Love and after prayerfully pondering and inwardly digesting her graced insights for almost 20 years, she wrote the long text. Her testimony to God's intimate, abiding love in both texts is consistent with the voices of many theologians down through the ages, but her powerful sense of "how sweetly and how tenderly our Creator loves us" offers us a fresh expression of this ancient theological perspective. In her writings, she gently and persistently turns our attention, and hopefully our hearts, back to the faithful compassion of God who "delights without end" in us and "wishes us to be mightily comforted and strengthened" in the midst of everything.

     In Revelations of Divine Love, she does not pretend to have clear and final answers to the baffling mystery of undeserved suffering or a fail-proof plan for avoiding personal and communal sin. Nor does she have a step-by-step process for dealing with the difficult and confusing losses that can frustrate and disappoint us as we weave our way through the many challenges of life alone and together.

What she does offer, however, is a contemplative grounding that can steady and strengthen us as we struggle through the hard realities that sometimes make their unwanted way into our personal and communal lives. In her writings she shares her journey of falling more and more in love with God and reveals her profound gratitude for the spiritual insights she was graced to experience and inwardly digest. She humbly shares with us her lived experience of holy encounters prayerfully pondered against the backdrop of the daily liturgies in the church she called home.

     At the same time, she offers us a way of being uncertain in a time of uncertainty without being overly anxious and inappropriately fearful. She offers us perspective and points us to the possibilities for peace, hope, and love in the midst of frustrating doubt, unsettling confusion, and unexpected suffering. She consistently shifts our focus from the external realities of our lives to the possibilities for inner freedom that can come from communion and union with a good and loving God.

     So how does she do this? There are several ways to answer this question and several ways to understand the subtle, complex and paradoxical theology of Lady Julian, but what seems foundational are her deep trust in both the vast, awesome goodness and the tender, intimate love of the Holy One. She has a profound trust in the goodness of God who loved creation into being and "created everything for love." She says that God created all that is made in "this love without beginning" and God continues to hold creation in this love without end.

     Moreover, she has confidence that tightly woven in the fabric of this enduring goodness is the intimate, respectful, nurturing love God has for each of our souls. She invites us to continually turn to our comforting mother, Christ, with "love longing" and to keep our focus on God's mercy and grace because "the sweet eye of pity and of love never departs from us, and the working of mercy ceases not." She tells us that "we do not suffer alone" but in the loving sight of "our good Lord" who "enwraps us, holds us, and all encloses us because of His tender love" for each of us. She assures us that God yearns for our inner transformation and patiently desires to "one" us to this abiding Love. She says that God longs to give us comfort, strength, peace and even "bliss" in both life and death.

     Julian does not minimize the trials and tribulations, the "woe," of life and she does not suggest that turning to God will free us from pain and suffering. In fact, she says that God respectfully helps us be more aware of our sins and that as we become more aware of our own weaknesses and failings, our blindness and ignorance, we will suffer because we begin to realize how far we can be from the loving goodness that is God. She invites us to open ourselves to God's revelation of our sins but also adds that God does not want us to dwell too long on them with "unreasonable sorrow." She even suggests that the depth of our sinfulness may be hidden from us by "our courteous Lord" who with mercy and grace will only reveal it to us as we are ready and able to bear it.

      Julian does not offer glib answers to the mystery of suffering in life. She is obviously concerned about the pain and suffering of others, but her focus as an anchorite is more on being aware of blindness and ignorance and opening ourselves to holy transformation than on actively changing the unjust structures and dehumanizing systems of her day. She is clear, however, that only blaming others is not the answer. She warns that beholding the sins of others makes "a thick mist before the eye of the soul, and we cannot for the time see the beauty of God" unless, she helpfully adds, we can also notice their contrition, see them with compassion, and hold them before God. Rather, she reminds us again and again how beloved each of our souls are to God and how lovingly close God is to each of us. She reminds us that we are constantly seen with loving respect and hopeful desires by our good and patient God. In her writings we can see this awareness grow and deepen into a profound trust that it was God's desire that everyone "be transformed and one-ed to Him in love as He is to us."

     Julian was deeply moved by the suffering of Christ on the cross and saw this sacrifice as a central sign of God's great love as well as a sign that, even in the midst of pain and betrayal, there can be the joy and love of a "glad giver." She believed that understanding his sacrifice could "make our souls very pliant and very gentle, and restore us to health most gently in the course of time." She was able to hold in creative tension the reality of pain and sin and the power and love of God because she so trusted God's loving goodness and God's desire to bring us all to fullness of life.

     Thus, Julian can live with the mystery of suffering even though she does not know how to reconcile it with the power, goodness, and love of God. She trusts that ultimately God will "make well all that is not well" in a "great Deed" that for now remains a secret. In the meantime, she can live peacefully with the uncertainty of mystery, not-knowing, and un-reconciled differences. She shows us that it is possible to experience peace, hope, and love even though we don't know and understand why life unfolds in the painful, confusing, disorienting way it does at times.

     Perhaps it is not an accident that Julian's writings have re-emerged after 600 years of relative silence. Hopefully they can touch our spiritual hearts and give us the courage and strength we need to live in and from Holy Love in our own confusing, turbulent times.

All quotes taken from A Lesson of Love: The Revelations of Julian of Norwich, translated and appointed for daily reading by Father John Julian, OJN

Liz is the Director of Shalem's Spiritual Guidance Program-Nurturing the Call.

© 2008-2009 Shalem Institute For Spiritual Formation.

Source: http://www.shalem.org/index.php/resources/publications/articles-written-by-shalem-staff/peace-in-the-midst-of-uncertainty-by-liz-ward

Video: Thomas Merton--What is Contemplation?

Contemplative Living

by Cindy Klassen

     Contemplative living used to be such a vague hazy kind of topic. In some respects, that’s why it’s so tantalizing. Today, this is a lifestyle I need for quality of life to be present; I need to navigate through the haze to the core of Spirit and my humanity.

     This paper comes from my thoughts, feelings and experiences and I do not assume I represent anyone else but myself.

     I think every human being has a contemplative seed inside their spirit. I think every human being is searching for how to nurture and grow that seed, even though it is formless, it’s movement is felt but indescribable until one steps outside him/her self to see inside. The seed is living, poised for germination, calling out to be noticed and tended to. I think the seed is that small place where God exists in every human being whether they are a Christian or not, whether they have accepted salvation (knowingly or unknowingly) or not.

      Contemplative living starts with awareness. The story about the monk asking Buddha what he is; “Are you an angel?” He replies;”no.” “Are you a god?” He replies; “no” “Are you a saint?” He replies; “no.” I am awake.

      I AM AWAKE shouts at me. “Wake up” haunts me when I get so busy that I’m blind. Wake up and take time. These two principles are primary for me to tend to God in my life and me in my life.

     The time I spend with Him is precious in that it brings me to a place of being one with Him. My favorite discipline is silence. I try to spend time at the beginning of every day in silence, even 10 minutes somehow keeps me awake. In the unfolding of the day I am more capable of looking at things calmly and realistically. No matter how stressful things can get I find I don’t “lose it” as much or as extremely as I would without silence.

     Wake up – means notice Beauty in all her works, notice Power in the storm and in forgiveness, feel Love as He invites me to be with Him, there is warmth and peace with Love.

     Every aspect and event and person in my life has His signature written all over them. I need to wake up and see and hear and enjoy. There is so much fun to be had. There is so much Presence to bask in. There is so much music and laughter and sorrow and joy to hear and feel and share.

     Be intentional, take time every day to notice, make time to be attentive, even fleetingly to greet Beauty or Love or Power or Gentleness or Wisdom or however He shows up with a thank-you, I’m glad you’re here. These small moments have a huge impact on where I think and live from. My being and thinking seems to flow from my center rather than my head. It’s almost as though I am softer, more gracious and positive about situations and in interactions with others. I “see” goodness better.

     In silence and solitude I feel Presence in and around me, I feel Love warm me and point back to me my presence. Even though I keep noticing and releasing thoughts I feel Love stabilizing me in this space, holding me firmly, allowing me to relax and be. These times have taught me very much about be-ing with Love. I learn I am wanted and received joyously, I am accepted with my bad habits, poor choices, all my truth - pretty and ugly, known and unknown (to me).

      This is a time for me to offer up my true and false self for Lover of My Soul to be with. Again I learn I am received joyously, with out stretched arms. How absolutely wonderful to know this Love, even with my limited capacity to grasp the depth of Him for me. I do know this depth is real, and it is for me to enjoy as much as I am able, and I know the more I enjoy the more I want and am able to enjoy.

     Contemplative living does not always feel like anything other than ordinary. It’s a lifestyle that invites spiritual awareness into the ordinary as a reminder that it “is”. Life does not always allow us to take time for the experience. Sometimes Presence keeps a distance even when we do take time. Teacher and my faith are at work during these times.

The struggle is an opportunity to increase depth in my relationship with God, to strengthen my bond with Him. When Presence enters into my awareness, I am usually parched and starved for His energy to begin moving again. I have known He is near; I have not been able to enter into communion with Him until He allows it. I trust Him in this. I worship and wait during these times through music and continuing to be the me He created to the best of my ability.

     My day usually starts with about 10 minutes of silence, some greetings( thank-you, I’m glad you’re here moments) throughout the day and reflection at night to see what I missed. I’m always amazed at how frequently God has shown up during the day. I also spend a lot of time reading spiritual books by a wide variety of authors and religious backgrounds. My week consists of an added small group discussion around one of the disciplines. My year would have 2 retreats scheduled if possible. Of course spiritual direction plays a vital role in growing spirituality in my life. Another way for Wisdom and Insight to affect my life.

     Contemplative living also has a social responsibility component to it. Some practices I am partaking in are recycling; I am financially involved with local organizations like Youth for Christ and the Counseling Center, also with Amnesty International. I recently emptied my closet of about 50% of my clothes and donated them to charity, my kids did the same. Our new policy is if you haven’t worn it in the last 4 weeks it goes out (seasonal clothes being the exception).

     Gardening has become more important. I feel connected to Beauty through looking after and experiencing plant life in all it’s variety of color and structure. I enjoy being involved in nurturing and encouraging life and growth as a gardener and even creator.

     Somehow all these ordinary things have long lasting impact on me as both a human and spiritual being. The mystery is that subtle changes continually work themselves into my being, like a seed slowly swells and germinates, takes root and reaches for the sun. These changes are noticeable but slow. They are real and with reflection and remembering I will see where goodness has grown in me.

      This is the quiet part of my life, yet it’s the most exciting! There is always an adventure around the corner, even during those times I worship and wait, I do it with anticipation because I know He’s got some revelation for me, some new discovery to be made, new people in my life and on it goes.

      There is also the reality of pain in my life. Usually it comes in the form of ego shrinking but it is necessary. Revelation often results in understanding where this has happened and why it happened. I used to get all defensive and angry when ego shrinking took place, I wish I could tell you I never do that, I can tell you I do less and less of that and the sting is short lived. I can move on more quickly and not hide from people because of pride.

     There are so many ways I have begun to morph; I have so much morphing to do but Gentleness makes it acceptable. When I write morphing what I mean is shedding the false self and all it’s defenses and misconceptions. Discovering my real self is really a lot of fun and it’s so freeing!

     The practices of Contemplative Living nurtures and grows that small seed in me to become a strong healthy creation ready to trust Creator in everything He invites me to do. The disciplines open my eyes to see the ways He is with me, the places we have already gone and hopes for places we will go.

     Contemplative ways have brought me life and joy in a real way, not only in experience but also in my “knowing” He is here with me. This sounds so minimal but for the Omniscient one to be with me personally is life changing stuff. It’s like being the guest of honor at the greatest banquet in the history of the world, and the greatest world power placing me in that high place of honor. Who is man? He/she is the beloved and God shows it. I may never have accepted this invitation to the banquet had I not begun contemplative living. What a joy and a blessing. I am truly grateful!

   www.soulstream.org --SoulStream is affiliated with Carey Theological College.

Video: Contemplation

The lands are lit with all the
autumn blaze of golden-rod,
and everywhere the purple asters
nod and bend and wave and flit.

-Helen Hunt Jackson

Links of Interest

The Merton Institute of Contemplative Living

Institute for Contemplative Living--Contemplative Resources for Active People

Poetic Prose--Discover your hidden creativity and spirituality through the power of poetry and mysticism.

The Awakened Life

Contemplative Spirituality Network

The Contemplative Cottage--Attending Deeply to Life

Daily Multi-faith, Multi-media Devotionals for October 2011

Each day we should expose ourselves to the inspiration of others. Thousands of saints and wise men and women have left us messages of hope and encouragement. Read what is honest. Read the scriptures and the commentaries. Read great literature and poetry. Read the psalms. Read that which expresses the anguish and the exhilaration of experience, and teaches us that we are not alone.

- John McQuiston II, p. 88, Always We Begin Again--The Benedictine Way of Living

October 3

October 5

October 22

Additional Resources

Moon Phases for October 2011

Living In Season

“Living in Season” is for anyone who is weary of the frantic pace of modern life, who wants to slow down, connect with the natural world, and live a life filled with heart and meaning. Each season has its own flavor, captured in the folklore of seasonal holidays, preserved in rituals and recipes, ceremonies and songs. This quarterly “Living in Season” e-zine helps you connect with the seasons through our articles, online courses (with suggestions on spiritual practices and creative pursuits that match the energy of each season), books and e-books on time management and the seasons.

Daily Celebrations

Astronomy Picture of the Day

The Writer's Almanac:-- Poems, prose, and literary history. Delivered daily.

Interfaith Calendar

Calendar of the Episcopal Church

Episcopal Liturgical Calendar

Church of England Calendar of Saints

Celtic and Old English Saints Calendar

2011 Online Catholic Liturgical Calendar

Calendar of Franciscan Saints and Blesseds

Carmelite Calendar

Celtic Wheel of the Year