The Sacred Way

I took a "mini-break" this week.  Valerie, Liam, and I drove up to New York state and stayed with some friends.  From Tuesday afternoon till Friday night I didn't go on the Internet at all!  To be honest, I didn't really miss it that much.  I know you all must have missed me terribly!

Anyway, while we were up there I picked up The Sacred Way by Tony Jones.  It was pretty cool to see the long quote from Adam Cleaveland.  The book is an interesting introduction to all of the various "contemplative" practices throughout the ages.  Tony freely admits that he is not contemplative giant, which makes the practices seem approachable.  My problem, after reading a good portion of the book, is figuring out how to implement some of these things.  His epilogue, entitled "Developing a Rule of Life," should help in that area.

I am definitely drawn to the idea of a more contemplative lifestyle.  I question whether I will ever be able to adapt such a thing, however.  Anyone out there have the same struggle?  What have you done to overcome the busyness of our world.  And don't tell me you get up at 5:00 a.m.  I only believe in one 5:00!

Comments

[Kevin]

I had been reading a book called "Sacred Pathways" by Gary Thomas. I never got around to finishing yet, but basically it says that not everyone connects to God in the same way. It talks about different "pathways". One of them is contemplative. some people are just wired that way. Other pathways in the book (not sure if this is an exhaustive list or just what he came up with) are:
Naturalists
Sensates
Traditionalists
Ascetics
Activists
Caregivers
Enthusiasts
Intellectuals

One point he tries to make is to find your main pathway so you know the way you best connect with God. He also says to try other pathways so you don't become stagnant.

I'm have a tought time with the contemplative stuff too. I think it is best to not try to do too much. Try going at it a little at a time.

[Bill]

That sounds like a good book, Kevin. I heard about it awhile ago, b ut never prioritized it enough to buy it. I won't be able to buy it now, but I'll put it up higher on my Amazon wishlist!

[Just Me]

The struggle is within, I believe, not in the busyness of the world - although that adds to it. In the classic "classic" - "Clouds of Unknowing" -which I have been reading sporadically, the point is made that we are not all meant to be contemplatives. The dichotomy was shown through the example of Mary and Martha. Mary being a contemplative; Martha an activist. Although I long to be a Mary, I believe that I am hard wired to be a Martha?! I don't know how to escape "doing" -especially when it isn't getting done otherwise.