Keep Fresh Before Me the Moments of My High Resolve

20 April 2010 at 5:43 AM (Meditation, Uncategorized)
Tags: , , ,

Keep fresh before me
The moments of my high resolve

Despite the dullness and barrenness of the days that pass, if I search with due diligence, I can always find a deposit left by some former radiance. But I had forgotten. At the time it was full-orbed, glorious and resplendent. I was sure that I would never forget. In the moment of its fullness, I was sure that it would illumine my path for all the rest of my journey I had forgotten how easy it is to forget.

There was not intent to betray what seemed so sure at the time. My response was whole, clean, authentic. But little by little there crept into my life the dust and grit of the journey. Details, lower-level demands, all kinds of cross-currents–nothing momentous, nothing overwhelming, nothing flagrant–just wear and tear. If there had been some direct challenge–a clear-cut issue–I would have fought it to the end and beyond.

In the quietness of this place, surrounded by the all-pervading Presence of God, my heart whispers: Keep fresh before me the moments of my High Resolve, that in fair weather or in foul, in good times or in tempests, in the days when the darkness and the foe are nameless or unfamiliar, I may not forget that to which my life is committed.

Keep fresh before me
The moments of my high resolve.

Meditations of the Heart by Howard Thurman
p 209-210

Howard Thurman

Yesterday, and perhaps for the two days prior, I have felt afloat, adrift. Here light, and not here. As though I was no longer connected to the whole of my being and of the Universe. Drifting.

This morning I remembered this meditation. Rather, Source bounced it around the outer edges of my spiritual eardrum, once again bringing this piece to my attention.

I wonder if I am not somehow only better when I have cause, a purpose, a mission. When I am fighting with most every fiber to gain some treasure of this earth plane. Then, when I am not, I seem to be loosely tethered to the ground, floating to and fro much like the flag being ushered then every scooted by the wind.

I am grateful that even when I am off course, Divine Presence is ever on course
I am grateful that even when my sense of connection is off the radar, Divine Presence clearly knows my location
I am grateful the even a whispered, bashful prayer of seeking remembrance and re-inclusion, Divine Presence acted on in real, nourishing, comforting time

I am so blessed.
And so it is.

Leave a Comment

Let Nothing Upset You or God Alone is Enough

2 April 2010 at 6:32 AM (Every Where Present, Meditation)
Tags: , , , ,

God alone is enough.

Let nothing upset you,
let nothing startle you.
All things pass;
God does not change.
Patience wins
all it seeks.
Whoever has God
lacks nothing:
God alone is enough

– St Teresa Avila
Poet Seers

Theresa of Ávila by Peter Paul Rubens


Let nothing trouble you

Let nothing trouble you.
Let nothing scare you.
All is fleeting.
God alone is unchanging.
Patience
Everything obtains.
Who possesses God
Nothing wants.
God alone suffices.

Eldridge Carmel Prayers

The version I heard first:

Let Nothing Upset You

Let nothing upset you;
Let nothing frighten you.
Everything is changing;
God alone is changeless.
Patience attains the goal.
Who has God lacks nothing;
God alone fills every need.

This little poem of Saint Teresa of Avila, dear to Catholics around the world, was found in her breviary after her death. Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada, born in Avila, Spain, in 1515, is one of the best-loved saints in the Catholic tradition and a spiritual figure of universal appeal. A vivacious, talented girl, she entered a Carmelite convent at eighteen and passed more than twenty years there in doubt and division before she was able to dedicate herself completely to God. After that, her life is one of intense practical activity – establishing convents, teaching, writing, traveling – centered in the deepest spirituality and inner peace. Her three books are classics of world mysticism.

Passage Meditation
Eknarth Easwarn

Eknarth Easwaran

Eknarth Easwaran’s book Passage Meditation describes a technique that requires one to memorize and repeat a sacred scripture to meditate. The one above is one that resonates for me. I find it particularly helpful for reconnecting with the every where present. Easwaran would say the effectiveness comes from the fact that one is using sacred words from mystics, way showers and the like, somewhat like connecting into the cosmic consciousness that brought forth the words.

What I know for sure is that through repetition and over time, my recitation of this piece allows me to more vividly rest and know the omnipresence of Source. He invites you to select passages of your own on his site page Passages for Meditation.

Peace.

1 Comment