Nurturing Your Soul: A Journey Between Sundays
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Chapter 1: The Sacred Space Between Sundays
In the period between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, how do you show your devotion? What emotions linger within you? What are you attempting to release? What thoughts occupy your mind? How do you care for your soul during this time?
This Holy Week presents a unique period of uncertainty, a transition from the jubilant hosannas of Palm Sunday to the profound resurrection of Easter. A myriad of experiences unfold, both significant and trivial.
With the themes of death and rebirth, we encounter both darkness and illumination. Yet, there is also a sense of wonder that arises from this uncertainty.
During this reflective time, before the unexpected joy of resurrection, consider turning your focus inward. To truly refresh your spirit, nurturing it is essential.
“Non-thinking is an art, and like any art, it requires patience and practice.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
How to Nourish Your Soul:
- Embrace Silence: Fasting doesn’t solely pertain to food. It can also mean letting go of distractions that consume your time—social media, electronics, television, or anything that diverts you from embracing silence and hearing the guiding voice.
- Centering Prayer: Find a comfortable position and space to be still. Close your eyes and select a sacred word. As your thoughts begin to settle, use this word to guide you into a meditative state. This word could be anything meaningful—Love, Grace, Peace, etc. Your mind may wander; when it does, gently return to your sacred word.
- Lectio Divina: Choose a significant text and read it slowly, allowing the words to resonate within you. After your first reading, sit quietly, focusing on a single word or phrase that stands out. Meditate on this for a minute, then revisit the text, reading it again slowly. Visualize yourself present as the passage is read aloud. What message might God be revealing to you? Conclude with a moment of prayer.
- Share a Meal: Gather with a friend or two, enjoy the company, and savor the conversations that arise. What insights is God sharing during this time together?
- Practice Kindness: Offer a smile to a stranger, hold the door for someone, or buy a coffee for the person behind you in line. Consider surprising someone in front of or behind you with groceries if you're in a position to do so. A true story: my sister-in-law was at Starbucks when the person ahead of her kindly offered to pay for her drink. She was deeply touched by this act of generosity. Let’s strive to embody such kindness.
- Identify Your Needs: Be truthful with yourself. If someone asked if you needed anything, what would your answer be? Perhaps you require a day of rest, a bit of pampering, or simply a kind gesture. Reflect on what could bring you joy today.
- Visit Nature: Explore a garden, retreat center, or walk a nearby labyrinth. If you’ve never walked a labyrinth before, consider using the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator to find one near you.
- Meditative Walk: Take a leisurely stroll outdoors, allowing silence to envelop you. There is beauty in slowing down; walking can help clear your thoughts effortlessly.
Be well. Be mindful. Be compassionate and loving. May your spirit be nourished and rejuvenated.
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