Monday, June 15th, 2020
Spiritual Focus of the Week
by Keli Shipley Cooper
Holy Cross Abbey / Berryville, VA / taken by Keli Shipley Cooper
A little over a year ago, I spent five days on a silent retreat at Holy Cross Abbey, a monastery in Berryville, Virginia. I sought some space to reflect after graduating from seminary.
 
About a month after my week-long retreat, I wrote this reflection for St. Paul's . One year later, I read the article again to see how my reflections may or may not have changed.
 
"Perhaps you can never fully prepare for a silent retreat." 
 
I still think it's difficult to fully prepare for a silent retreat. Now more than ever, we're learning what it means to prepare. We're seeing what happens when we do not prepare, and we are learning that we can't always be prepared. Many of us have shifted from our previous rhythms of life. Some of us are still sheltering at home, adjusting to what feels like a silent "retreat" at times. Others are out on the streets breaking the silence that has persisted for too long. What do you think it means to prepare? How do you balance between preparing and acting?
 
"This retreat was just as ambitious as my partner said it would be for me. I missed spontaneous conversations that could happen over meals. I missed verbally processing and extemporaneous prayer. But, there is a lot I did learn in silence. Sitting in silence, or “niksen” as  this article  mentions, takes time. As much as I shudder at the thought of five more days of silence right now, I know we each need more moments away from busyness. One day at a time, one moment at a time." 
 
We definitely need more moments away from busyness. It was a true gift and privilege to be able to retreat for those days away. I thought I missed spontaneous conversations then... little did I know what this year would hold.

In the past few years, I have discovered meditation. I have learned that silence and meditation are different. Meditation takes practice, time, dedication, and intention. It requires intentionally letting go and being present in a moment even though we are often flooded with daily distractions. Meditation comes in a variety of forms. Sometimes I walk as my meditation. Other times, I listen to guided meditations. Frequently, I sit in silence and try to let my thoughts move through my mind.

Meditating throughout one's day can be transformative for many people. Meditation allows us to discern our inner voice- to seek guidance- to ground ourselves in the divine source of energy that many of us know as a God of our own understanding. In these times, we do take things one day at a time, one moment at a time. Some of us have time to meditate each day, while others sneak in three deep breaths. We must find time to focus and listen. Do you have a meditation practice? If so, what does that look like? If not, what is a barrier between you and a form of meditation?
 
"As days pass by since I went on the trip, I try to sneak more moments of silence into each day. And I continue to reflect on what my friend meant when he kindly reminded me I’m “not that important.” We are NOT too important for silence, spending intentional time listening and being present. We are NOT so important that we need to be busy at all times. May we each find spaces to sit, sleep, eat, read, and walk with no intention nor expectation other than being."
 
We are definitely not too important for meditation and for rest. I push back on what I originally wrote in that it is through intentional that we find spaces to sit, sleep, eat, read, and walk. Meditation allows us to discern what are earthly expectations and what are our calls as humans seeking justice. These contemplative moments help us to step back, recognize our priorities, reflect and respond rather than react. Meditations encourages us to enter into and claim the grace and justice-seeking lives that Jesus modeled for each and every one of us.

Rest. Recharge. Pray. Meditate. We've got a lot of work to do.

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In moments when I struggle to sleep or struggle to find words for prayer, I often pray the ABCs.  I invite you to try this ABC prayer throughout the week.  I go through all twenty-six letters and pray for one or multiple things for each letter. Sometimes I only make it through four letters, other days, I go through the alphabet a few times. 
 
For example, 
Dear God, I pray for… 
 
A: Atlanta, Adam, animals 
B: Bowser, buildings, small businesses 
C: community, Coopers, churches 
D: Dad, divestments, diversity, David 
…etc.
 
Amen
from the Episcopal Church
My name is  Keli Shipley Cooper   and I am the Minister for Faith Formation at St. Paul's. We are excited to share stories, readings, Scripture, and practices with you all. In this time of physical distancing, we still join together through prayer and technology as we continue to be the church from at least six feet apart. 

We are glad that you are here.

I f you would like to respond to or discuss any piece of this devotion, reply directly to this e-mail to connect with Keli Shipley Cooper.
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