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| Statue: The Spirit of Contemplation by Albert Toft. |
Shhh. Silence is helpful.
How the eyes
unfocus presence. How the
limbs and head
rest without heaviness in the
ready
spirit of the celebrant.
Presence has
anchored this moment but not in real time.
Silent contemplation glows much brighter
than the temple it occupies--address,
place, building, body and chakra—all
fade
to hold its object, to stretch itself out
and apart from setting altogether.
And here, sustained in its new
container,
grows relationship with God, kinship
with
neighbors and comfort with self. On
this rock
of contemplation possibilities
grow, great civilizations rise and
fall.
When one wit hgod, all our questions will be answered:)
ReplyDeleteI love the whole idea of the "rock of contemplation" as the platform for presence and possibility. LOVE the closing lines! Am envious that you are writing. I am exhausted. One more day of feeding a houseful of people then I hope to lie down!!!!
ReplyDeleteOoh, how the eyes unfocus presence - a shift away from the mundane and into something magical, universal, invisible, felt. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMy new favorite of yours. Maybe it speaks so loud to me because I find it difficult to be good company for silence.
ReplyDeleteI really like the way you have described all the benefits of silent contemplation, Susan, & how so much can be accomplished through this.
ReplyDeleteYour words resonate strongly in a world that has to be be abuzz with one piece of news or another. Yet it is only in the silence that we can hope to connect to the divine and others.
ReplyDeleteThe power of contemplation is wonderfully expressed in your words. I agree with Gabriella... of the importance of a silent contemplation, to actually know the violent realities of today's world and their despairing results. I wonder of the change that would come if we all as humans wait, sit silently and introspect for a while.
ReplyDeletePowerful verse. It reminds me of Robert Frost's writing.
-HA
To live with silence in this way is really excellent - but it takes training.. I hope more could learn.
ReplyDeleteEscaping from the chaos of the world - a contemplation in silence is much needed. It can also be a venue of feeling His presence.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Susan.
That last stanza moved me Susan ~ And I find that as we grow older, silence and contemplation becomes more meaningful, and becomes comfortable under our skin ~
ReplyDeleteMay the new year bring you love, kinship and peace ~
a statue in silence symbolizing lifelessness...contemplation is for the onlooker....the reader the seeker...
ReplyDeletesustained in its new container,
ReplyDeletegrows relationship with God, kinship with
neighbors and comfort with self.
I love these thoughts and strive for them. What a beautiful poem to start the New Year. Have a happy one Susan
On a rock of contemplation we all need to take in a moment of silence as it helps in understanding the journey and our choices in life. Happy New Year!
ReplyDelete"on this rock of contemplation, possibilities grow"---this is such a gorgeous line and the imagery it evokes is stunning.
ReplyDeleteSilence can be so helpful. The serenity of silent contemplation, so centering. Happy New Year, Susan!
ReplyDelete"How the eyes unfocus presence." Brilliant poem Susan!
ReplyDeleteLove this! 'Presence has
ReplyDeleteanchored this moment but not in real time.' Wonderful poem - thank you!
Great poem on such a simple concept.
ReplyDeleteSilent contemplation and its greatness.... love the poem... :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy New year to you ...
There was always a great pause for me in the great and magical mantra of the Legendary Prayer... "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; (NOTE: and the Kicker is...)
ReplyDeleteWISDOM to KNOW the DIFFERENCE."
Great personal civilizations have fallen along with their future, ...without contemplation, centering, or discernment.
A very thought provoking piece
ZQ
How can great thought be achieved without silent contemplation and how sad it is that it is almost impossible to achieve for so many in this busy world with its emphasis on inter connectedness constantly !
ReplyDeletehappy new year Susan...contemplation in silence is such a beautiful way..
ReplyDeleteWhat an art silent contemplation is. A great relaxer in life where importance is relegated to the back seats.
ReplyDeleteSilent contemplation glows much brighter
ReplyDeletethan the temple it occupies
The power that lies dormant is the one most powerful when unleashed. All the good if it also comes with goodness! Great lines Susan!
Hank