Published 6-27-11     The Religion Network publishes every Monday

ON TODAY'S SITE:
Martin Laird, Simon Jacobson, Jaris Rubenis & Maris Subacs, Toki Miyashina, W. B. Yeats
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Photo by Chuck Bowman                  All rights reserved

Most of us live much of our lives caught in the
whirlwind of the stories going on in our heads.
As our contemplative practice matures we are
presented with opportunities to drop the story and
to look straight into these thoughts and feelings
that lead us around by a nose ring. And we see that
they are without substance. Without the story, they
are without power. That insight is behind Mark Twain's
famous line, "I'm an old man now and have had a great
many problems. Most of them never happened." A lot
goes on in our heads that is quite worthless...




Excerpted from "Into the Silent Land,"
  by Martin Laird
Oxford University Press, 2006

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You cannot add more minutes to the day, but you
can utilize each one to the fullest. How do you do this?
By totally investing yourself in the one activity you are
engaged in at any moment, ignoring everything that
came before it and that will come after it. And how
can you achieve such concentration? By recognizing
that everything you do is important to G-d, and is
one vital piece of the larger picture of your life...

Remember that in the journey of life, your body is
the vehicle but your soul is the compass. By following
its voice, you remain focused on your destination, and
each step -- each day -- brings you closer. How you live
today determines how you will live tomorrow. The very
next thing you do, no matter how small, will determine
the rest of your day and, ultimately, the rest of your life.

Excerpted from "Toward a Meaningful Life,"
by Simon Jacobson
Perennial Currents, 2002

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There is clock time and soul time. They rarely coincide.
 

From "Finding God in a Tangled World,"
by jaris Rubenis and Maris Subacs
Paraclete Press, 2004





Photo by Chuck Bowman                  All rights reserved

Psalm 23 for Busy People

The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush;

he makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals,

he provides me with images of stillness,

which restore my serenity.

He leads me in the way of efficiency,

through calmness of mind,

and his guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things

to accomplish each day,

I will not fret, for his presence is here.

His timelessness, his all-importance

will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal

in the midst of activity,

by anointing my mind with his oils of tranquility

my cup of joyous energy overflows.

Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be

the fruits of my hours

and I shall walk in the pace of my Lord,

and dwell in his house for ever.

- Toki Miyashina

Excerpted from "Bless the Day,"
by June Cotner
Kodansha International, 1998