Sunday, July 26, 2009

Making A Place for Spiritual Practice


Three years ago, back in our old house, I used to have a place in our house specifically designated for prayer and meditation. I had a little altar set up on a small table where I had meditation stones, some prayer books, my Daily Word, and my journal alongside a very comfortable chair that was used only for my prayer and meditation.

Each morning before going to work, I'd wake up early and go to that quiet place to do my daily spiritual practice. That was a special calm place and you could just feel the calm and peace emmanating when you entered that room.

Well, I haven't been going to Unity services lately as I used to, and I really miss it. So I decided today to get up early, go to church there at Unity Village - you wouldn't belive it, but the topic of today's lesson was "Spiritual Practice." And guess what? I haven't been practicing! In fact, I don't even have a good meditation chair or altar in my home anymore. And that's sad.

The only thing spiritual I've done in recent months is to pray at night for those specifically in need, and I also pray while I make my prayer shawls. But there hasn't been enough inner listening, and that's what I need - a place to be still and listen for inner guidance. Maybe G-d's been talking to me and I haven't had my spiritual receiver on - I dunno.

Anyway, I'm going to make a place again. I'm going to make time. Maybe only 10 minutes per day. But 10 dedicated minutes. It's worth getting up a few minutes early to get centered in spirit. It will be my first appointment of the day.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Your space for spiritual practice looks like a very inviting place. If more folks would spend those ten minutes a day in some sort of spiritual practice I think the world would be a better place. Good for you for recognizing this need in your life and finding a way to meet it.

Elysbeth said...

Are you sure we're not sisters by different mothers? Your thoughts usually touch some topic in my own life that needs more attention.

Personally, I've been thinking that for my midlife crisis, I am going to sell everything and move...except I finally got my lovely new floors.

Woofgangpug said...

Oh, Chelle--I always find something in your writing to make me think! My spiritual practice has been nonexistent of late--mostly obsessed with feeling sorry for myself instead of improving my spiritual state. I wish you the best on your quest. Thanks for the inspiration.