Finding Peace at a Monastery in Aspen, Colorado

            Driving down a snow covered county road in Snowmass, Colorado, I approach the Monastery, unsure of what to expect. Pinks and whites blend with the blue sky as the sun rises in the distance. Mountains surround this valley, enclosing it from the world. For fifty years, this Catholic Trappist Monastery has offered daily masses to all that feel a nudge to come. I park my car, and follow a dozen people walking towards the chapel entrance. A silence descends, putting me in a contemplative place. Birds fly nearby, while a small squirrel scurries along a crosstie fence. I walk inside and sit on a bench lining the nave. The chairs in the center are reserved for the monks. Clear paned windows let in the mountain views. The stained glass window of Mary and the enfant Jesus grace the far end of the room, scattering colored light across the floor. There is coolness in the air that causes me to pull my jacket tighter. Bells ring, calling all to worship. Monks, wearing long tan belted robes, enter quietly. We are welcomed and the service begins with a chanting of a Psalm. Voices sing in unison and musical notes rise in praise. Peace settles and calms me. I breathe deeply, grateful.

            An hour earlier, I lay in a warm bed, wishing I had not promised I would attend Lauds, an early Morning Prayer and mass. Dressing before dawn was challenging. I am not a morning person, especially when morning begins in the dark. Despite this, I know I need this experience. I am one of the ones that has been nudged. 

            Listening to the homily, which speaks of Jesus’s unfathomable love for us, I am inspired to love more deeply. Love seems too simple a catalyst for change, but I believe in its power. The priest says that we do not need our head to come to prayer, only our heart. I realize that I am constantly bringing my mind, with all its busyness. When I open my heart, I become centered on what is truly important. For me, my relationship with God is at the core. Why have I let other things fill that space?  I am convicted to come home.

            One of the monks invites us to the Eucharist. We form a circle around the Altar, with monks forming half the circle and laypeople completing it. With the last word of the Lord’s Prayer spoken together, we approach the priest passing out the wafer and blessing each of us. I then drink from the consecrated chalice offered by another monk. At this moment, I am reminded of Jesus’s sacrifice and love. Returning to my seat, I sit in awe of His Presence.        

            Melpkin Abbey, another Trappist Monastery located in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, now beckons me. I have enjoyed walking through their botanical garden and wildflower lined Labyrinth, and finding the banks of the Cooper River. Today, I feel inspired to sign up for a spiritual retreat this spring. A year ago, I considered attending, but the timing was not right. I believe it is my next step. If Jesus needed to retreat often to spend time with His Father, how can I think I do not need to create space for His connection?

            If you have not made the trek to Melpkin Abbey, please find the time. You will not be disappointed. Visit my blog www.sacredgroundwriting.blogspot.com for more information on walking the Labyrinth as a way to pray. God is waiting. Let us meet Him in this Sacred Ground.

             

Ash Wednesday at Westminister Abbey

While in London, England for an international Red Cross meeting, I decided to attend an Ash Wednesday service at Westminster Abbey. As I approached the Abbey, the West Great Door loomed ahead. After a thirty-minute wait, the large wooden door opened and we were beckoned in. I followed, walking beneath statues of 20th century Christian martyrs, noticing Martin Luther King Jr. among the ten. I entered into a hushed, softly lit place of peace and breathed deeply.

     A hundred feet above the floor, the ribbed vaulting crisscrossed the length of the nave, which stretched from the main entrance to the High Altar. The height along with a single aisle drew my eyes upward in wonder. I was in a house of worship.

     The story of Westminster Abbey has played a significant role in the history of the world. The coronation of every British monarch has occurred in this abbey since the crowning of William the Conqueror in 1066, along with numerous funerals and sixteen royal weddings, most recently Prince William to commoner Kate Middleton.

     As I walked along the left side of the nave, the early evening’s light shown through the stain glass windows from the west, lighting the floor in rays of color. Stone monuments honoring historically influential people lined the path and I occasionally stopped to read a name. I continued until I reached the spacious area between the “quire”, an ornate area where the choir resides and the High Altar. Rows of wooden folding chairs lined the north and south transepts, which lay on either side of the spacious area designed for coronations.  A distinct, British accent directed us, as others took their seats.

     The service began as a thurifer, a priest carrying incense, walked down the center aisle. As the metal container called a censer swung in a semi circle motion, the sweet smell filled the air. Large candlelit chandeliers hung from the lofty ceiling, creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection. Priests followed carrying gold crosses and banners. Their vibrant vestments or outer garments brushed the floor as they walked. The magical voices of the boys’ choir pierced the silence as musical notes floated upward towards the archways.

     After blessing the ashes from last year's Palm Sunday service, four priests left the High Altar and stood on either side. We were directed to come forward in an orderly procession. Drawing a cross on my forehead, the priest’s soothing voice said, “Remember that dust you are, and to dust you shall return”. I closed my eyes as I received the call for repentance.

     The Very Reverend Dr. John Hall, Dean of the Abbey, delivered the homily, speaking of the service that had occurred two days earlier, honoring Nelson Mandela, former leader of South Africa. Mandela was one of a select few non-Britons given this distinction. According to Dr. Hall, Mandela was able to lead His country into reconciliation because of his years in captivity. Mandela showed the world the power of forgiveness when he forgave his tormentors for his twenty-seven years in prison.

     In Lent, we witness Jesus’s ultimate act of forgiveness while on the cross. As he looked out at his persecutors, He asked, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do". He offered compassion instead of seeking justice.   

     What is forgiveness? It is not excusing the behavior. Instead, it is letting go of the desire for vengeance, acknowledging the pain, and then releasing it. When we forgive, our hearts become pure again and the one forgiven is disarmed. Their defenses are lowered and there is clarity to see their wrongdoings more clearly.

     On the cross, God forgave our sins through Jesus's sacrifice. This incredible gift lowers our defenses and allows us to see our sins, which are wiped clean with our repentance. We are given access to our Father. This forgiveness can motivate us to change.

     In this Easter season, I challenge you to forgive yourself and others. Only then, will we discover the power of forgiveness that Jesus Christ and Nelson Mandela modeled so eloquently.

A Spiritual Moment at St. Paul's Cathedral, London, England

            Whenever we travel, moments of spirituality may occur when we are open to their possibility. Two weeks ago in London, Westminster Abbey was the setting of one of these experiences and my column, “Sacred Ground”, described it in detail. Ash Wednesday’s service in the historical Abbey was profound and moving, a highlight among my spiritually insightful moments. Looking back over my few days in London, I recall examples of God’s majesty. Embracing His presence has added to a deeper understanding of Him and the world around me.

            Another of these revelations occurred while touring St. Paul’s cathedral where Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles thirty-three years ago. Walking to the cathedral from the tube station, I noticed the magnificent white dome dominating the skyline. As I neared, the dome’s two stories became clearer, displaying Christopher Wren’s architectural vision, which became a reality in the years 1675-1711. The wider story with its multiple white columns gives a base for a smaller second story with windows around the circumference. A spire, topped with a cross, rises from the rounded roof.

            During WWII’s blitz, 1940,Winston Churchill declared, “At all costs, St. Paul’s must be saved.” During this city’s wartime struggle, the dome of St. Paul’s cathedral became a symbol of human endurance against evil and the ability to overcome adversity. In times of profound joy and grief, multitudes have gathered. Thousands of Londoners flocked here to celebrate VE Day and later, the ending of WWII and more recently, our own tragedy of 9/11.

            I passed people, young and old, milling around the granite steps, posing for pictures and enjoying the warm spring sun that had pushed back yesterday’s rain clouds. I entered the West Front and was amazed by the length and width of the nave. The white walls, etched in gold provided a beautiful frame for the eight brightly painted moments of St. Paul’s life shown on the interior dome. 

            Wandering the nave and side chapels, I was inspired as I listened to an audiotape of their boys’ choir singing. I climbed the 259 steps leading to the Whispering Gallery. I walked the circular path surrounding the great masterpieces of St. Paul’s life and heard whispering from the opposite side, which is a unique consequence of the architecture.  I climbed another 119 steps to the Stone Gallery, where the outside space of the first story of the dome can be accessed. Another 150 steps took me to the Golden Gallery and an amazing view of the city. The rays of sun shone on my face and the wind whipped through my hair as I walked the circumference of the base of the dome’s second story. I saw the London eye, a Ferris wheel located on the Thames River. Across the river, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Parliament stood grandly. In the other direction, I saw the Tower Bridge, located next to the Tower of London. Haziness blurred the horizon as my eyes searched in the distance for Windsor Castle.  Standing there, I became conscious of the passage of time and God’s presence.

            I thanked Him for His never-ending desire to be in my life and the ability to visit this place that has captured the hearts and souls of the British people.

Walking the Labyrinth using the Lord's Prayer

Today is Friday.  The day that the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France is uncovered- chairs removed so people from around the world can use this spiritual tool, which has been walked on for over 800 years.  There is something mystical and magical to think of all who came before...and all who will come after.

I had a restless night and awoke at 8a without the help of an alarm.  I had an alarm set.  What is amazing is that since I've been in France, I haven't awoken before 9:30.  I jumped out of bed and prepared to go.  The church opens at 8:30 and I wanted to be one of the firsts.  I got there with 5 minutes to spare so I sat down on a bench in front of the royal portal.  I glanced up at a clear sky and a bright sun.  The sunlight lit up the 2 towers in parts, some in darkness while others shining with the sunlight.  I loved the way the light played with the architecture. 

At promptly 8:30, a person unlocked the Iron Gate and welcomed us.  Three of us walked into the nave where itwas a hushed darkness.  Around the labyrinth stood a group with candles saying prayers.  I have to admit that my first thought was "no fair, why wasn't I invited to this special event?"  Then I laughed.  Isn't it like us to want to feel special as we participate in special events only for a select few?  God gently said, "your journey is a private one between you and I.  You don't need this to feel special".  People started to move around in preparation for walking the ancient stones.  A handful of people entered before me and quite a few were behind me.  My heart sunk as I acknowledged that I didn't want all these people around.  Again, I laughed.  This is life.  People are always around.  Their presence can bother us and dampen our experience OR we can learn to walk our journey with all these people around, keeping fast to our inward walk.  So I started.  It was slow going at first b/c people walk at different speeds.  The woman before me liked to stop often and gaze upward.  I decided to go with the flow and do likewise. This bothered some women behind us so they quickly past us on the quest to reach the center.  I wonder if the center is your only focus, what you will miss in getting there so quickly.  I am learning to be humble, observe and not judge so I am only making an observation.  I do realize that we walk this in different stages of our lives; with different focuses.  One author said: "All who walk the labyrinth are on the same path with the same goal. (I think the goal is not to reach the center, but for GOD to reach us) There is always a time when you go by someone moving in the opposite direction.  Don't be fooled by appearances.  Whether heading into the center or heading out from the center you are both on the same path."  In this way, labyrinths can be used as a tool of compassion.  As I passed beside people going along a further part or when I was walking out of the labyrinth, I used my time to observe others and smile.  It is amazing what a smile can do- meaning without words:  we are in this together. 

As I walked towards the center, I constantly pulled my mind back into the present.  It is so easy to allow our thoughts to roam and rob us of the present experience.  Stopping, feeling the stones beneath me, looking up at the stain glass windows and saying a prayer of thanks were ways to bring me back.  I was concerned that when I reached the center, it would be too crowded for me to say the Lord's Prayer using the 6 petals of the rosette.  "Do not worry" was the answer.  So I let that go.  I focused on just being. 

There are many curves, which take you on a 180-degree turn.  There are times you feel you've just been there, but you are going a different direction.  The beauty of this is that you can see what you missed when you were walking the other way.   Potentially the same place, but different perspectives.  What a wonderful way of looking at life.

 I like thinking of the worn path, composed of many stones.  All having beginnings and endings.  Where one ends, another begins.  Saying goodbye to one chapter opens you up for the next chapter.  Whether it’s a wonderful time in your life or the most difficult, these chapters do have a beginning and an end.  Living in the moment allows us to get the most out of each chapter.  There are lessons and silver lining experiences in every day living.

When I am relaxed in where I am going; knowing that the path is planned out, I feel at peace.  Many turns make it impossible to see past the next turn, but I can be assured that there is a path.  I believe this is the answer to successful living.  Walking the steps in front of you as they open themselves, armed with confidence allows you to live this day to the fullest.  Someone knows where you are going and it doesn't have to be you. 

I reached the center as the only person left.  I was alone in the rosette.  This was truly amazing.  I had pictured myself bumping into lots of others as I prayed.  To be alone was glorious and an answer.  I quietly went through my prayer of faith, surrender, service, abundance, forgiveness and strength.  As I walked out of the 6th petal, I was drawn to the center circle.  I stepped in and realized that I wasn't finished.  It felt right to say "For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen."  Now I was done.  I was ready to take the curved path back to the beginning.  As I met others going towards the center, I paused and smiled.  It was a wonderful feeling to acknowledge each of our journeys with a smile.  So easy to give, so easy to forget to give.

I left the cathedral with a joyful smile plastered on my face.  I couldn't have frowned at that moment to save my life.  I was too right with the world to frown.

I plan to go back later today, hopefully when the crowds have diminished so I can do it again.  I feel more alive and open to life than I have ever felt.  So many possibilities.  The future looks bright.  And you know how long I've waited to get here!

A side note:  How are labyrinths a spiritual prayer tool?  I have wondered this and think that God uses anytime we are quiet and still to show up and be with us.  What makes a labyrinth beautiful is this; it allows our bodies to move while our minds can be still; walking and meditating without running into any walls.

A prayer at the center of the labyrinth

Using the Lord's Prayer as a guide

inspired by Kathleen McGowan

Use the rosette in the center of the labyrinth as the model of the Holy Spirit. 

Working left to right, embrace the first petal of the holy rose - FAITH and pray,

         To our Father Who is Benevolent and Reigns in Heaven

         Your names are hallowed and sacred. 

Contemplate here your faith in the Lord God and the grace of the Holy Spirit, while giving gratitude for the presence of the trinity in your life and on earth. 

         Thank you for the presence of the trinity in my life.  I give thanks for the faith You have given me.

Embrace the second petal - SURRENDER, and pray,

         Your kingdom comes to us through obedience to Your will.

         Thy will be done.

Listen to the voice of your Father that you may hear His will and carry it out without fear or fail.  Stay in this petal for as long as it takes you to submerge yourself and find the blessed release of surrender to His will rather than your own.

         Help me hear Your voice and carry out Your will without fear or fail.  Bless me with the release of surrender. 

         Your will not mine will be my mantra.  Let me carry the peace, which comes from surrender into all aspects of my life.

Embrace the third petal - SERVICE and pray,

         On earth as it is in heaven

Here you will reaffirm your promise to God and to yourself, which is your purpose on earth.   Pray for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to your purpose. You will confirm your commitment to create heaven on earth by acting in accordance to Jesus' teachings of love by loving God above all else and by loving your brothers and sisters on earth as yourself, for they are a part of your family.

         I promise You, Father that I will continue the purpose you chose for me.  Allow the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to this purpose.  I commit to creating heaven on earth by acting in alignment with Jesus' teachings of love by loving You first and then loving my brothers and sisters as myself.

Embrace now the fourth petal - ABUNDANCE and pray,

         Give us this day our daily bread, the manna,

Give thanks to the Lord for all he has provided you and know that when you live in harmony with His will and honor your promise/purpose to His service, you will know the bounty of abundance on a daily basis.  When you live in the flow of God's grace and you are aligned with God's will, you will have all your needs met. TRUST

         Thank you for all that You have given me.  Help me live in harmony with Your will and trust Your bounty on a daily basis.  Give me the ability to stay in the flow of Your will knowing that all my needs will be met.  Give me the trust of a child.

Embrace the fifth petal - FORGIVENESS,  and pray,

         And forgive us for our errors and debts

         As we forgive ourselves and all others.

Here you must list those who have harmed you, who have given ill witness against you, or who have otherwise caused you pain.  And you must forgive them, while praying that they will one day find their purpose in God's plan and realize their own connection to God.  You must ask that anyone you have offended forgive you in the same way, and most of all you must forgive yourself for all the actions and thoughts that have brought shame upon you.  For while all forgiveness is the balm of our compassionate God, self-forgiveness is needed most of all.

         Father, give me Your grace to forgive.  You call us to forgive ourselves and others to cleanse our hearts for a better life.  Help me list all who have injured me and to forgive those offenses.  In the same way, show me where I have offended and help me right a wrong.  Lastly, wipe away my sins and help me forgive myself.  You are giving me the gift of freedom from guilt and shame.  Help me accept this gift with gladness and joy.

Embrace the sixth petal - STRENGTH, and pray,

         Keep me on the path of righteousness and

         Deliver me from the temptations of evil.

For temptation is that which keeps us from becoming the butterfly God wants us to be.  It prevents us from keeping our promise to God and to ourselves and to each other.  They are the temptations of avarice, hubris, sloth, lust, wrath, gluttony and envy most of all.  Contemplate these sins and pray for your release from any that tempt you from the path of God.

         After forgiveness, help me learn the lessons of my mistakes and the mistakes of others so that I may live life to the fullest.  Keep me on Your path and when I do veer from it, show me so that I may trailblaze back to You.

Stand in the MIDDLE of the ROSETTE in AWE and pray

         For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory

         Forever and Ever.  AMEN

 It is through living the Lord’s Prayer that all of us have the potential to create heaven on earth.  It is through this prayer that love will be expressed.

LOVE CONQUERS ALL

FAITH

SURRENDER

SERVICE

ABUNDANCE

FORGIVENESS

STRENGTH

IN AWE