The last month or so I have been writing blogs about different contemplative prayers for our Monday Meditation theme on social media. These blogs have focused on stillness and meditation practices.
I recognize that for some of us, stillness is engrained in our bodies. For others, they have found ways to be in stillness even as stillness is not engrained within their bodies. And for others, stillness continues to be a challenge. Their bodies need movement.
We tend to think that stillness and movement are polar opposites. The Sacred invites us, time and time again, to learn that life is paradox and mystery. We are invited to undo our culture’s teachings about polarities and polarization. Both “poles” exist within us. One does not negate the other. Sometimes, both “poles” can be incorporated and experienced together as One.
So is the case with stillness and movement. We have been taught that they are polar opposites, that it is one or the other. Yet, those who have dived deep into the mystical experience know in their bodies that stillness and movement go together. They can be experienced alone, separate. They can be combined together. Movement can bring experiences of deep stillness, inwardly and outwardly.
I am part of a spirituality circle that meets monthly. We begin our time together with drums. Through the movement of drumming, singing and dancing we move our bodies and spirits into Stillness. When the drums stop, when our bodies cease to move, a deep Stillness has descended upon all of us and we are aware of the Presence of the Sacred in our midst. The movement brought the palpable Stillness.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be highlighting ways to prayer through movement. There are so many. There are the ones we commonly think about: walking meditation, labyrinth, dancing, hiking out in nature, yoga, tai chi and other energy-oriented practices. There are everyday tasks that, when our intention is set on prayer, become contemplative practices: doing the dishes, making tea, and other household tasks.
Leaning into an understanding of movement as an avenue to deep prayer and contemplation can open up ways in which we can deepen our commitment to praying our life and living our prayer, to being honest, conscious and merciful to all beings and the Earth.
As you go through your days this week, notice when you feel called to movement and when you feel called to Stillness. They may overlap. They may continue to be separate. Notice and engage those invitations with conscious awareness that the Sacred is with you in movement as well as stillness.
