Confessions of an extroverted monk:
When you love people, and can’t be with them…what then….
Of course, i love people, encouraging and being with them, so times of social isolation are challenging for us “people, people”. My friend used to ask—just how many people did you see today! Many, i assure you. I like people. My best poems are written in people, i’m sure.

Yet, I also find it exciting to develop more contemplative practices—taking slow gazing walks, looking more deeply into my wife’s eyes. Watching Spring return, each flower an overcoming statement, a declaration of Life. Paying better attention to my dog’s needs. And listening for that still small Voice, which is like a symphony inside a whisper! That one Elijah heard.

We will all return to one another soon enough, but while away, we pray each day, and come closer to one another in that deeper heart- waiting, and common vulnerability. In that house of prayer not built with hands!
There are many spiritual opportunities now. Stillness, learning silence, gazing more deeply. Expressing more thoroughly…

So stillness, silence and aloneness aren’t my primary spirituality-i was never cut out for monkhood, nor was i for celibacy! And yet, this period of forced isolation is allowing me to develop my inner life.

That quiet space of just being-that I AM to i am space. The un-busy me. I think that is a great fruit coming from this pull back time we are currently all in.
Plus, i can hear the birds better and listen to the sound of slow falling rain on tree leaves again. Thankful. More holiness is formed from here, this enforced Sabbath, I’m sure. Be quick to listen, and slow to speak, as the old wisdom put it!

And I promise when we do return to the table, i will love you even more, and playfully, listen to you more deeply, having sat more patiently alone in that silent knowing of Love. Plus, i’ve learned to hear the layerings of bird songs and church bells i didn’t know were nearby during this time of contemplation and retreat.