There's a question that pops up repeatedly in one of my favorite podcasts, Wild Card: What do you do in your life that feels most like prayer? It's a very moving question for me. It invites a wider view of how we ask, or entreat, or appeal to all that is bigger than us, which is very much an individual, spiritual exercise rather than a religious one, I think. Also, if you want that practice to have some heft to it, it requires some personal emotional investment. (When you fling something out from you, it needs some weight to fly, yes?) It can't just be rote.
Anyway! When I hear that question I always think about something one of my best teachers told me when I was growing up as a Quaker: the "art" of silent Quaker meeting was taking that split second after you ask a question-- before you start answering it inside your own head, or barreling ahead as if you've gotten an answer already, that moment of pure openness and receptivity, that deep, deep listening-- and make it last for an entire hour.
I still can't make it that long, but I've realized my answer to that Wild Card question is listening. When I set myself and my busy, busy mind aside and really listen, that is the most prayerful thing I ever do.
As an aside, there are Quakers who say that the whole point of silent worship is to learn to listen so well that you become someone who is always listening-- during every conversation, every song, in line at the DMV. I'm not sure I'll *ever* get there, but it's a worthy aspiration.
Maggie, you taught me to “count” the things I do in service to my writing as part of the creative process. Listening—deeply and with intention and grace—seems to me to be an essential part of a creative life. Thanks for reminding me to slow down long enough to listen. I was rushing my kiddo around and running on fumes when I stopped to read your piece. Time to put the phone away! ♥️
I'm at a writing retreat this week and being reminded that stillness is an opportunity. I am feeling my story in a different way. Maybe I need to schedule more time for stillness, because there is some magic here.
Slowing down enough for quiet and stillness is really hard for me unless I keep up with a meditation regimen. TM has been super helpful. Just mentioning it here in case it might help other folks!
There's a question that pops up repeatedly in one of my favorite podcasts, Wild Card: What do you do in your life that feels most like prayer? It's a very moving question for me. It invites a wider view of how we ask, or entreat, or appeal to all that is bigger than us, which is very much an individual, spiritual exercise rather than a religious one, I think. Also, if you want that practice to have some heft to it, it requires some personal emotional investment. (When you fling something out from you, it needs some weight to fly, yes?) It can't just be rote.
Anyway! When I hear that question I always think about something one of my best teachers told me when I was growing up as a Quaker: the "art" of silent Quaker meeting was taking that split second after you ask a question-- before you start answering it inside your own head, or barreling ahead as if you've gotten an answer already, that moment of pure openness and receptivity, that deep, deep listening-- and make it last for an entire hour.
I still can't make it that long, but I've realized my answer to that Wild Card question is listening. When I set myself and my busy, busy mind aside and really listen, that is the most prayerful thing I ever do.
As an aside, there are Quakers who say that the whole point of silent worship is to learn to listen so well that you become someone who is always listening-- during every conversation, every song, in line at the DMV. I'm not sure I'll *ever* get there, but it's a worthy aspiration.
Thanks so much, Asha. Needed this!
Needed this today. Thank you, Maggie💙
Love from San Miguel, Kel! xx
Maggie, you taught me to “count” the things I do in service to my writing as part of the creative process. Listening—deeply and with intention and grace—seems to me to be an essential part of a creative life. Thanks for reminding me to slow down long enough to listen. I was rushing my kiddo around and running on fumes when I stopped to read your piece. Time to put the phone away! ♥️
It all counts! ❤️
I'm at a writing retreat this week and being reminded that stillness is an opportunity. I am feeling my story in a different way. Maybe I need to schedule more time for stillness, because there is some magic here.
Yes! I will if you will.
Deal!
Slowing down enough for quiet and stillness is really hard for me unless I keep up with a meditation regimen. TM has been super helpful. Just mentioning it here in case it might help other folks!
Thank you, Jeremy!
I needed to hear this today. Sitting with it now...
❤️❤️❤️