What is Emerging?

We probably will never finish exploring the rich sources of interest and meaning from the recent Loretto Link Gathering in St. Louis in February. Every time I read the summary of the gathering, I find little pieces of discussion/dialogue, presentations, etc., as if I am discovering them for the first time.

The conversations around contemplation and action especially took on a life of their own. Both Mary Hunt and Susan Classen shared in their presentations this quote which spurred constant discussion: “Action flows naturally from a contemplative stance that recognizes the sacred interconnectedness of all life.” The response that members shared were varied and awesome!

As I pondered the many parts of this ongoing discussion of contemplation and action, I became aware that when we in Loretto talk about contemplation, many of us think of it as a form of meditation or prayer. And it is. The contemplative stance refers more to recognizing that all creation is sacred and interconnected, as Mary and Susan presented to us. The Leadership Conference of Women Religious describes the contemplative stance as “taking a long, loving look at reality.” So the contemplative stance is more about how we live our life — with compassion, understanding, wisdom and connection. And we probably need both. With that, you might say, but I do not have time to sit in silence in prayer every day. But you don’t have to, because there are many ways to practice contemplation. Richard Rohr shares this thought, “You can practice contemplation while mindfully washing dishes, working puzzles, singing, being with a friend or walking in a park.”* Of course the key word here is mindfully!

Some comments centered around, What’s next? What’s emerging? What is missing? How can we become who we really are? How do we become more reflective, living in the present moment, being in silence?

What inspirations do you have? If you would like to share your reflections, I would be happy to receive them. Thank you.

*From “Contemplative Prayer,” 2019, page 17, Sylvia Sedillo, editor.