Well, dang it! Today's local paper included an article that hand-made face masks will not be accepted at the large hospitals in our area. I can see the potential for contamination. I hope the makers of effective masks can ramp up production and that the needed protective gear can be transported to where it's most needed. We listened to an excellent broadcast of 'Fresh Air' last night on NPR. Terry Gross interviewed Max Brooks, son of Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft, who has studied contagion extensively in order to write both fiction and non-fiction on the subject. In his latest novel, a virus infects people and turns them into zombies. Yikes! But, in the course of the interview, he gave a wonderful description of what could happen if the Federal Government (well, The President) activated the defense production capabilities. Companies would be compelled and enabled to share raw materials to respond to a disaster. For example, to address the need for ventilators, a firm that has tubing would be linked with a firm that has motors would be linked to a firm that has housings would be linked .... Sounds like a good idea.
Are you familiar with the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) directed by Richard Rohr? The Center publishes a daily email (Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation) which I commend to you. Today's meditation addressed the topic of contemplative prayer, with input from CAC faculty member Brian McLaren. I first learned about McLaren when my spiritual companions group read and discussed his book, The Great Spiritual Migration. He is an activist and an expert on contemplative prayer. I found his suggestions inspiring.
First, to calm the monkey brain we're all fighting at this time of high anxiety, simply hold the word Help up to God. Let that plain, strong word bring focus to your mind. Allow the anxiety to dissipate somewhat. Once that vague sense of dread begins to drop, choose a more specific word that captures your need, such as Guidance, Patience, Compassion or Stamina. Try a practice of allowing your petition to God to expand in this manner. The Help step is the gateway; the expansion, practiced over time, strengthens our sacred connection to God.
I'm motivated to try this prayer practice, as my mind has been cluttered of late and my usual ties to my church family and my horse friends are, of necessity, tenuous right now. Fr. Richard suggests asking ourselves: What word or phrase resonates with or challenges me? What sensations do I notice in my body? What is mine to do?
References:
Brian D. McLaren, Naked Spirituality (HarperOne: 2011)
Center for Action and Contemplation, Fr. Richard Rohr, cac.org, Wednesday, 3/25/20
I'm not familiar with the CAC, but I've used Fr. Rohr's guides for both Advent and Lent. His Lenten book (Wondrous Encounters) is especially good.
ReplyDeleteThe contemplative prayer practice beginning with the word "help" sounds very helpful. (no pun intended) I will try to remember this process during the coming days and weeks. Thanks for sharing it.