a quick word from the gardener

All I have for you today is this poem.
As you read, maybe loosen your mental
framework for prayer a little.

For me, a prayer journey is about letting go of control.
The older I get, the simpler my prayers become.
Today, let prayer be a doorway.

It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

— Mary Oliver, “Praying”

notes to explore:

For a long time, I didn’t understand why when I ran things started to come together in my head. Ideas came more freely. In studying a bit about brain science, I’ve come to understand that the increase of oxygen, decrease of stress (calmer emotions), and sharper focus that exercise brings are the perfect combination for deeper, more integrative thinking. Here are a few notes that have come from running reflections:

on pace: slowing enough to breathe well — to filter what’s real through love and truth.

on noise: quieting the outer and inner clamor so the soul can speak and heal.

on wind: learning to move with the Spirit.

delight: climbing with child-me

more delights to inspire you →

today’s invitation

Be where your body is.

Come back. Don’t be afraid.

Lay down the distraction.

Notice what’s hard, notice what’s beautiful.
Notice what’s uncomfortable, notice what’s wondrous.

Let your attention be a prayer.
God is waiting for you here.

more on attention as an act of connection →

Thank you for going down the path with me today. If this is your first time, I encourage you to check out this note explaining the idea of the digital garden and what's up with the weird title 😄.

Peace to you! ✌️