A Contemplative Lifestyle
I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.
~Vincent Van Gogh
Living a contemplative lifestyle is not something that just happens. We must determine in our hearts to recognize divine moments that come to us each and every day. It is amazing just how much we will recognize something as “divine” if we make that commitment. We will notice the smallest things we hardly paid attention to before. We will see something of beauty and meaning that we’ve been too busy to see.
As a child, growing up in an orphanage in Bavaria, Germany, we would take hikes in the beautiful Alps. I remember after a rugged hike, we would sit on a mountain top, looking over a quaint little village, hearing a church bell ring. The feeling that I would have during such a moment, is one of complete connectedness. As I would look around, I would see the beautiful flowers, each having their own unique fragrance. I would smell the fresh crisp air that one only smells high up on a mountain. I would see the cows grazing as I watched from far away. Mostly, I remember the stillness. One could hear the brooks peacefully flowing, the birds spreading their wings, free of all care, and the trees dancing in the calm, soft breeze. I loved being touched gently by the wind, as if God himself had given me a kiss. Now, I think He did!
Those memories have always stayed with me!
As my family and I go hiking here in the States, I try to impart into my children to soak in those moments of stillness and rare beauty. When we pass a brook, I encourage them to listen carefully as there is a song to be heard. As we look at a beautiful waterfall, I encourage them to see the strength and power behind it. And as we see that the leaves have changed their colors to beautiful oranges, yellows and reds, I try to teach them that our lives are exactly like that. Seasons are a part of our lives. We need the winter as we need the summer. Seasons of dryness and seasons of flourishing are all a vital part in becoming mature human beings. Each bring their special gifts into our lives. Nothing ever really dies, it only changes.
As I continue to practice a contemplative lifestyle, I try to notice the laughter of children more. I try to value a tender moment with a friend. I want to understand the meaning of tears, each drop telling a story. In turn, I want to touch a life thoughtfully and with care.
Each of us have many opportunities each day to see divine moments and miracles in our lives. The busyness of life must be stilled in order to see what really matters.
Viola Jaynes
