21st Century Contemplative Mystic

Agreeing to ordination was a big step. In the weeks since I have been thinking and wondering. What next? What does this mean? Where to I go? What is my path? What do I want?

The answer is almost unbelievably simple, so clear and bright it makes my eyes widen in surprise at how easy it all is. Recently, regarding another subject entirely, my friend Ann said to me, “We humans make things so difficult.” How true, so very true...about just anything. We make things so difficult and muddy up the clear waters without a second thought. Then we wonder why the water isn't as clear and beautiful, why we can't see the bottom of the stream. It is time to stand still, to allow the fullness of what the stream carries to settle again, to see to the center once more.

The other evening I listened to two talks, accompanied by short guided meditations/visualizations by two women, one a writer with many years' life experience, one an ordained minister who seems to be opening some new avenues of spiritual possibility and celebration. I connected with both, more strongly with the second. When she knew I also am an ordained minister and open to sharing the gifts I possess, she asked where my areas of interest lie. All I could say at that moment was: I am still finding my way and I work best with individuals and small groups.

As I have continued to consider her question in the light of where my spirit soars and finds best and most complete expression, I realize my path is the same as it has been most of my life. It is a path not readily understood in twenty-first century society outside of the ancient monastic traditions. Nor, even if understood, is it a path 99.9% of the spiritually connected individuals in the world will choose. Yet, it is my path. My deepest and truest being is one of a contemplative mystic.

What does this mean with respect to how I can share my gifts and talents? What does this mean in how I live my life from day to day: working full-time, sharing a home and what time we both have with a partner, seeing to my aging aunt's needs, wants and business affairs? Added to those question is the first one: how do I make use of my availability as a spiritual healer, teacher and presence?

This continues on my blog at From the Eagle's Nest.