“Resting in you. Resting in me.”
Father Gregory Boyle, Director Of Homeboy Industries and author of Tattoos on the Heart and most recently Barking to the Choir – The Power of Radical Friendships was again interviewed by Terry Gross on the NPR program Fresh Air on November 13, 2017. I have just downloaded his latest book and soon hope to read it. For today, however, I am focused on the manta Father Boyle told Mrs. Gross he is currently using during his prayer/meditation time: “Resting in you. Resting in me.”
I have been doing a lot of meditating of what this manta says to me. This morning I asked a group of men and women in an addiction treatment program what they heard when they heard this mantra. I am fascinated with the fact that just hearing it this mantra automatically prompts me to take a deep breath and let it out. It feels peaceful and, thus, restful.
For me I am reminded of the luxury of a friendship which allows for reading separate books together or just sitting on the porch in rocking chairs with a cherished friend watching the corn grow. I may have previously mentioned I used to occasionally spend time with friends in Paint Lick Kentucky sitting on the porch watching corn grow. It was enough just to be present with each other and the corn.
It seems to me that many of us often feel a need to justify or explain our behavior or even our thoughts. Perhaps, especially in today’s world in the United States it seems as if it is difficult to just be with each other without a need to debate or list our real time and virtual achievements – establish our worth.
I am blessed with the luxury of having several friends with whom nothing is expected except just to be. That is a great luxury. I am also blessed – occasionally – with the ability to just be with myself. Too often I am still tempted to second guess my behavior or chide myself for some error in judgment or other misstep. Although I “know” that this is not necessary it is an old habit which continues to make a cameo appearance. Of course, when I do misspeak or misstep I do want to make amends, but there is no reason to go on and on an on with myself. That is a far cry from resting in me.
Once again I am grateful for the many spiritual guides, such as Father Boyle, friends and the folks who as clients are my teachers. They remind me that it is safe to take a deep breath, let it out. “Resting in you. Resting in me.”
Written November 14 2017
Father Gregory Boyle, Director Of Homeboy Industries and author of Tattoos on the Heart and most recently Barking to the Choir – The Power of Radical Friendships was again interviewed by Terry Gross on the NPR program Fresh Air on November 13, 2017. I have just downloaded his latest book and soon hope to read it. For today, however, I am focused on the manta Father Boyle told Mrs. Gross he is currently using during his prayer/meditation time: “Resting in you. Resting in me.”
I have been doing a lot of meditating of what this manta says to me. This morning I asked a group of men and women in an addiction treatment program what they heard when they heard this mantra. I am fascinated with the fact that just hearing it this mantra automatically prompts me to take a deep breath and let it out. It feels peaceful and, thus, restful.
For me I am reminded of the luxury of a friendship which allows for reading separate books together or just sitting on the porch in rocking chairs with a cherished friend watching the corn grow. I may have previously mentioned I used to occasionally spend time with friends in Paint Lick Kentucky sitting on the porch watching corn grow. It was enough just to be present with each other and the corn.
It seems to me that many of us often feel a need to justify or explain our behavior or even our thoughts. Perhaps, especially in today’s world in the United States it seems as if it is difficult to just be with each other without a need to debate or list our real time and virtual achievements – establish our worth.
I am blessed with the luxury of having several friends with whom nothing is expected except just to be. That is a great luxury. I am also blessed – occasionally – with the ability to just be with myself. Too often I am still tempted to second guess my behavior or chide myself for some error in judgment or other misstep. Although I “know” that this is not necessary it is an old habit which continues to make a cameo appearance. Of course, when I do misspeak or misstep I do want to make amends, but there is no reason to go on and on an on with myself. That is a far cry from resting in me.
Once again I am grateful for the many spiritual guides, such as Father Boyle, friends and the folks who as clients are my teachers. They remind me that it is safe to take a deep breath, let it out. “Resting in you. Resting in me.”
Written November 14 2017
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