The previous excerpt described a contemplative attitude as an “open awareness to what is going on.” This open awareness helps us to be more loving and to more connected to our desire for God’s movements, leadings, and invitations. This next excerpt will describe carrying this contemplative-open-awareness into everyday life – or contemplative living. Afterward, I will reflect briefly and offer a few more guiding questions for your own reflection.
Contemplative Spirituality: A Shalem Senior Staff Monograph
Written by Carole Crumley, Bill Dietrich, Ann Kline, and Gerald May
March 2004
“Contemplation is an experience that is given to us from time to time. It is usually short-lived, but it can have profound effects on us. Among other things, such experiences of contemplation encourage us to develop a contemplative attitude in the rest of life. Also called contemplative living, this attitude attempts to integrate the incomprehensible wisdom of momentary experiences of contemplation into life as a whole.
For example, contemplative living involves an acknowledgement that the deepest currents of our lives are “God’s business,” not ours. This implies a willingness to let God do the leading in our choices and decisions. Further, contemplative living honors the mystery of God’s actions; we hope for God’s guidance, but recognize that we may not understand it or have any particular knowledge of what that guidance will be.”
I have experienced profound moments of contemplation in my life which have shaped my sense of vocation and my call to ministry. Ecstatic moments of connection during worship, experiences that have deepened and stretched my soul, and openings in my personal prayer time.
One experience continues to shape my understanding of ministry and primary guiding theology. As one of my prayer practices, I will meditate with my guitar, playing and singing whatever comes to mind. Years ago, one afternoon when I was doing this, I experienced an opening vision of the interconnection of life. I can’t explain how this happened, just that suddenly I was aware of the pulsating connective lines between all things. It only lasted a couple of seconds, but it was a vision that has informed my worldview, ministry, and sense of self since it happened.
For example, this experience is why I gravitate toward the teaching of interdependence in Zen Buddhism and prioritize collaboration in ministry as the Body of Christ. For me, living from an awareness of our interdependence is sacramental, an outward manifestation of a deeper sacred reality.
What about you? What experiences have deepened and stretched your soul?
What momentary contemplative experiences continue to shape your worldview and sense of self?
What you come to learn about God (Love) and your desire for God’s (Love’s) guidance?
Peace,
Pastor Karsten
