Imagine an ancient doorway, carved into the rock. It creaks open slowly revealing an overgrown but well trodden path. In early September I had two back to back experiences that felt like they were opening up a hidden door for me that led to an ancient pathway.

This blog has been about learning to find a contemplative path in our chaotic world. What I became aware of in September was that the path I’ve been walking on, has been around a very, very long time. First, we visited Drumheller, Alberta with Badlands and Tyrell Dinosaur Museum which was a great peek into our past. Then I spent a week on Manitoulin Island visiting some of our First Nations and learning their perspective on history, culture and spirituality. We also visited an archeological dig on the island that showed evidence of human habitation from 9000 years ago.

An elder spoke to us about their history going back thousands of years and of the transmission of their principle beliefs. One of their basic beliefs is that we are spirit beings on a temporary, physical journey. I’m a newcomer in learning about their spirituality. I listen with my ‘Jesus’ ears and from my Christian contemplative perspective, and I’m struck that we could have learnt from them when we first arrived. There are similarities.

I’ve quoted before Teillard de Chardin’s line about us being spiritual beings having a human experience. He comes from the Jesuit tradition who were some of the earliest Europeans to arrive in North America. I wonder if they received that teaching from the natives, recognizing in it the truth that is in harmony with our Christian faith. We are spiritual beings, created by God and called into an open awareness of our relationship with God, all others and creation. I’m listening. I’m realizing that our contemplative path is very well worn. It’s been trodden not only by us, but by many others all over the world for a very, very long time. That helps me walk more firmly, more boldly. The chaos shrinks. The pathway becomes clearer.

In this shifting and chaotic world we need to be grounded. What grounds you? I’m coming back to naming my pathway in the next few weeks. I think I’m clearing the pathway, weeding it a bit! Join me!

If this is helpful to you, please show support by sharing it with a friend. Let’s broaden the contemplative pathway.

Love and prayers

Anne+

Contemplative Fire Community Leader Canada

Mystic in Motion