|
LOTUS OF THE HEART
All is Welcome Here
Living in Love beyond Beliefs
When you hear detachment, you may think that sounds cold. After all, how can you really be present and detached, at the same time? Ironically, you discover that by detachment, you are more fully present. Pure presence is more able to present itself and serve the other in the acceptance of a posture of non-control over both process and the results. You are more there, Presence is more there, for your presence is the conduit of Presence being present. In Christian terms, the Word is still coming among us, to be with, to love, to touch with Grace persons needing grace.
* * *
St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897) wrote of "disengagement of the heart” (Counsels and Reminiscences). She counseled the Sisters to practice detachment in work.
In this detachment we engage the monastic virtue of poverty. We are working without owning the work. The work is passing through us. Even as a faucet does not claim the water passing through it, we do not claim the work passing through us, and we do not seek to own or control the results.
Disengagement of the heart allows me to observe these words I now write for you. I did not create creativity. This writing is not my writing. The sources of its arriving, the process of its formation, and the fruit of it in the lives of readers, now and possibly for many years - or not, maybe even read by no one -, I do not own, nor do I control these matters.
Approach all you do like the apple tree. Life passes through the apple tree, offering the world apples. The tree is the means. The tree does not control the use of the apple, nor who enjoys the apple. Neither does the tree claim the sources of nutrients from earth and sky. Being like an apple tree, you rejoice in the goodness of the process of giving through work. You are the servant of the work and, finally, of the Work-Giver.
* * *
*Move cursor over pictures for photographer and title.
|
