Some time in Spring over at Abbey of the Arts I saw an invitation to a Contemplative Art Retreat (during Advent) entitled "Exploring Monastic Rhythms Through Art & Movement," I decided, for some reason, to give it a go......the exploration of sacred rhythms of my life was more than intriguing - it seemed a must! Little did I know what bounty was in store.
The retreat experience for me seemed specifically designed to awaken, to permeate, to support - not only my faith and spiritual resolve - but my growing curiosity and involvement with the creative process.
The retreat's structure was built upon the ancient practice of praying the hours - dawn, day, dusk and night. Yoga, reflections, scripture, music, poetry and art-making were scheduled around and specifically to the rhythms of time and my place in that time. It was a powerful experience.
I shared a bit of poetry with you yesterday, will continue to do so today - probably all week, and maybe through Advent:) Some of the poetry will be mine, some will be from Thomas Merton, A Book of Hours edited by Kathleen Deignan, and some will be from Holy scripture.
DAWN - What secret and intrepid visitor softly springs the locks of time. Thomas Merton
DAWN - I will know your first footfall, I am eager to greet you.
Sunrise Sister
DAWN - I fly with the wings of the dawn.
From Psalm 139
What do you feel about the dawn? Do you ever actually see it? Do you greet it or does it greet you? Can you actually recollect any important feelings in your life about the dawn?
this is so beautiful. i love the quotes and find myself wanting to record them in the new little book of hours i am creating in my mind :-)
ReplyDeletei love dawn because it seems to be the one time in the day that i can find to make space for time with god both spiritually and creatively. my hope is to make more time for intentional pauses in the day...hopefully beginning today.
i already miss seeing your face in the morning, but am very grateful to have this space to connect. much was awakened this past week!!!
xoxooxoxo
p.s. the photo is absolutely wonderful! i need to see if i have one of those :-)
ReplyDeleteSS, thanks for these beautiful words. What a gift for me to read some of what unfolded for you and is still unfolding. And an even greater gift to get to know you.
ReplyDeleteAbbey.....still unfolding is putting it mildly. I feel like a kid in a toy store at Christmas - which thought do I choose?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
xoxo
Very lovely. One of my new favourite dawn quotes is from Rumi:
ReplyDeleteThe breeze at dawn
has secrets to tell you.
Don't go back to sleep
You must ask
for what you really want
Don't go back to sleep
People are going back and forth
Across the doorsill
Where the two worlds touch
The door is round and open
Don't go back to sleep.
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ReplyDelete