Choosing a spiritual practice is a little like perusing the beautiful fresh vegetables and fruits piled high in the market: there are plenty of healthy things to choose from, so pick something that appeals to you. Once you prepare and bite into it, you may find it is not quite right for you and you can choose again. My hope is that you may discover it is just what you were hungering for...
Ministerial colleague Scott Alexander defines a spiritual practice as "any activity or attitude in which you can regularly and intentionally engage, [emphasis added] and which significantly deepens the quality of your relationship with the miracle of life both within and beyond you" (Everyday Spiritual Practice, Skinner House Books, 1999). He distinguishes everyday spiritual practice from something like a hobby that you love and do from time to time when you feel like it. The difference? Intentionality, regularity, and depth.
I'm not a master at spiritual practice. But I know that I long to incorporate a way to quiet my mind and energy enough to listen for what I would call the truer voice of my heart to speak. When I put off my practice because I'd rather sleep 20 minutes later, I lose. I lose the space that is created around my heart during mindfulness meditation or morning prayer. I need that heart space to unclench from the anxiety that can bear down from a busy schedule, a hurtful remark, or the daily news. When I engage in regular spiritual practice, I have more room in which to live my life with balance and compassion. I would wish this expansion of balance and compassion for everyone.
To support your incorporating spiritual practice regularly into your life, we are making a quiet space available in the chapel at First Church in Boston on Mondays from 7-8:00 pm between January 19 and February 23, roughly a 40-day period in which to begin, renew, or deepen your practice in community. Here's how it will work:
• The chapel will be set up with tables and chairs facing the wall for writing or reading. Please bring your own journal and pen. There will be a selection of reading materials available or you may bring your own.
• There will be cushions on the floor as well as chairs for those who wish to sit for silent prayer or meditation.
• Doors will open at 7:00. There will be two 20-minute practice periods.
• At 7:10, the first 20-minute practice period will begin. At 7:30 a bell will sound, indicating the end to the first practice period. At that time, you may leave or take a break and return for the second 20-minute practice period, which will run from 7:40-8:00. Those who cannot make the 7:10 start of the first period may join at 7:40.
• The doors will be closed during the practice period, and you may not enter once the practice period has begun. You may leave quietly at any time during the period, making every effort not to disturb others.
So that's what I've been thinking about this morning. Thanks for reading along. If you have thoughts in response, you can post comments here or email me at rosemary@firstchurchboston.org
• The doors will be closed during the practice period, and you may not enter once the practice period has begun. You may leave quietly at any time during the period, making every effort not to disturb others.
So that's what I've been thinking about this morning. Thanks for reading along. If you have thoughts in response, you can post comments here or email me at rosemary@firstchurchboston.org
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