It seems like everything I read these days points me to being “in the moment”. As an athlete, we called it being “in the zone”. In martial arts it is “Mushin” which means no mind. It does not mean mindlessness, as that can get you hurt or even killed. No, all of these words or phrases mean the same thing, to be totally absorbed in the moment at hand.
I need this, need to be better at it. I have had glimpses and they have gotten more frequent over the last several years. I have them, actually, every time I write in this blog. I finish and suddenly I wonder, “who wrote that”. I wonder if those who wrote or write holy scriptures feel that same way. I think (and they) I am a filter for something more, something beyond me. I think that is supposed to be what my life is every day.
I have been there many times, on the athletic field, golf course, on the mat when teaching or practicing martial arts. Lots of times in my college classroom when I am teaching. I have them every time I go to my beloved Abbey of Gethsemani. Each time, I hate for it to end. It leaves a certain spiritual “tingling” that is wonderful.
I read devotionals, spiritual books, scripture, listen to people and lately, nearly everything is speaking to me about living in the moment. Even yesterday evening, with the grandbaby giggling, Granna cooing, the pets snoozing, and the music soft and classical, there was one of those moments. I did not want to move, I sat and grinned and was at perfect peace.
I believe we are all called to this sort of life. When Christ said, “The Father and I are one”, I believe this is what he was feeling. I am sure of it. And, I believe we are each called to that kind of life. But it is not an active thing to go find. It is, instead, something you simply prepare your heart for and then let it happen. I can’t force the moment, I must be aware of the moment. C.S. Lewis wrote “Surprised By Joy”. I wonder if this sort of life is what he had in mind?
So, today I will let moments happen. As I drive to work, as I see and hear the rain, as I teach, go to chapel, and speak with students and colleagues, I will let these moments happen, let them was over me and look for the gentle face of the Sacred in each moment. I understand what St. Francis said and wrote and believed. I can feel it, but alas, I cannot describe it to you. It is my moment. Please, today, when you read this, go have your moment. It will be glorious.
TMM