Contemplation

Decades ago during our stint in Louisville, KY, I became acquainted with Thomas Merton and the practice of contemplation. Professor Glenn Hinson introduced the concept, and I was impressed with his book, A Serious Call to a Contemplative Lifestyle. I still remember that Dr. Hinson walked to and from work every day, one hour each way, regardless the weather. This was his practice of contemplation.

I was drawn to the idea. But I had too many things to do! Goals to achieve, children to raise…you know the drill. Now interestingly enough, I have time.

Last summer for a big -0 birthday, my daughter and I went to visit Louisville. One of the first stops was Gethsemani Abbey (located in nearby Bardstown), the home of Trappist monk Thomas Merton from 1941-1968. The monks there live a silent life of prayer and work (on the 2,000-acre farm). Merton was allowed to live there as a writer, scholar, theologian, and social activist.

One of Merton’s books that caught my attention in the late 1970’s was Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander. The title intrigued me – maybe because I tend to sit on the sidelines and muse about things. Yet decades after his death, “(Merton’s) words are still vivid, valid, and challenging. The world of violence and bigotry he complained about is still with us.” (Thomas Moore) Merton left behind more than 50 books for us to contemplate.

These days I do spend significant time in quiet thought (walking my two miles is great for this!), and I still sometimes feel guilty. Shouldn’t I be DOING more?

Yet I know that there is not much I can do outside of my own attitude, behavior, and conduct. I can’t fix other people’s problems. I am at a loss what to do about the state of our country and the world; I don’t like any of our politicians and have little faith in their leadership. So I just pray – trying to believe that “praying is not the only thing we can do; it is the best thing.”