"Pilgrims are persons in motion - passing through territories not their own - seeking something we might call completion, or perhaps clarity will do as well, a goal which only the spirit's compass points the way." - Richard Niebuhr, Pilgrims and Pioneers
Today as I sat quietly to pray and ponder, I read a couple of pages in *Eve Eschner Hogan's small book, entitled Way of the Winding Path: A Map for the Labyrinth of Life; it's where I came across the Niebuhr quote that stopped me to think about his words -
Person in Motion
Person in motion, spirit-filled and joyful with the gift of creativity
Knowing that what one thinks or creates matters in and of itself
Not necessarily of what others think or project on to one's art that matters
Unique empowering feeling that thought brings
Even if one only tends to summon it upon occasion
The Spirit's Compass
Where will the spirit's compass take me
To mingle with whom - perhaps angels or ancestors
Eager to show me the life-giving, well-trodden path
To wholeness of my own spirit mingled with that of the Holy
Where will the essence of the two spirits join
In prayer, in a stranger's eyes, at the easel
Where will I catch my breath
and know that my essence, my wholeness is Yours?
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=72956dd0-d42f-4646-8481-4f93c4f5c17c)
The Spirit's compass, continually drawing us back to that wholeness, our true essence. Yes.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back. I have been gone quite a bit lately too. I always miss everyone so much!
"Unique empowering feeling that thought brings"
ReplyDeletei have been thinking lots lately about the (em)power of thought. amidst the mindsight, lifespan integration, spiritual direction, therapy, etc., i am reading a book called "fingerprints of god" which blends a multitude of "thought" experiences with scientific looks at the brain - while trying to sort out the question of "is there a divine other being" if it can't be scientifically traced...
i'm so glad to see you here. i was just about to remind you if you were waiting for me to go out of town so you could start writing again, i'm not scheduled to go anywhere for a long while :-(
great post!! xoxoox
Thank you for the introduction to Eve Hogan, with whom I'm unfamiliar.
ReplyDeleteAnd continued blessings on your Lenten journey.
Hi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I know when I'm away from blogging for a while, I also miss the wisdom
of others' thoughts.
xo
Hi Lucy,
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting to read and actually participate in the feelings that mind/body connections create!
My muse has been busy with the brush and easel this week and having a lot of fun with that; leaving little room for getting thoughts off of the journal pages into a post.
Contrary to what you might suspect, I am NOT motivated by your absence:)
xoxox
Maureen,
ReplyDeleteWe visited Eve's "Sacred Garden" when we were in Maui. I knew of her labryinths through a friend and picked up the book not knowing much about Eve's practice as a writer and facilitator. THe little book is packed with wisdom.
I've really been enjoying your poet introductions lately on your site! Thanks.
xo
Greetings, Sunrise Sister,
ReplyDeleteAs an eternal pilgrim, literally and figuratively, I loved your Niebuhr quote. I had never heard of Eve Escher Hogan and will look into her.
As to the Spirit's Compass, what a beautiful expression :-)
I like to compare myself to a salmon forever swimming back to her source :-)
Blessings.
Good Morning,
ReplyDeleteI just stopped by today to say "I see you" on your Lenten journey. Thank you for putting your heart and your thoughts out into the world.
Much Warmth,
Rachelle
Thannks for posting this
ReplyDelete