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Become Astonished!
The cover article from Listen: A Seekers Resource for Spiritual Direction 4.4, October 2010 invites readers to consider the contemplative practice of becoming astonished, and to share personal stories and experiences.
Pegge Erkeneff Bernecker, editor and spiritual director writes:
"Several months ago, cosmologist Brian Swimme spoke two words, garnishing my complete attention: “Become astonished!” His directive guides my daily interactions with people, my work, and my own inner aliveness. Five syllables in two simple words accompany me during difficult, vulnerable times, as a mantra to see with new eyes, and to love with an increasingly broad, courageous heart."
Additionally, Bernecker asks, "Why would it be valuable to cultivate the contemplative practice of astonishment? My intuition and experience inform me that our willingness to become astonished by someone or something develops compassion, integrity, kindness, creative action, forgiveness, and a heightened ability to be fully human, fully alive. I learn—maybe you do too—that when we become astonished, we:
- Let go of preconceived ideas and patterns of thinking
- Allow the present moment to interrupt the past and future
- Engage our senses
- Nurture alertness
- Trust unknown possibility, mystery
- Grow laughter and delight
- Engage
- Discover unimaginable reality
- Risk forgiveness, transformation
- Dare to be brave
- Become healers and healed, joyful
- Inspire gratefulness
Will you please seek to become astonished, at least once, every day? I urge you to be willing to be surprised. If you say yes, I imagine your life and inner aliveness will become more peaceful, transparent, and vital. You will grow in service and compassion. Envision the daily stories you can share with family, friends, and spiritual companions! Do it—look around, glance within—become astonished."
Click to read the Become Astonished in its entirety.
Click to subscribe to Listen: A Seeker's Resource for Spiritual Direction, published by Spiritual Directors International.
Please share your story! Simply add a reply in the comments section below.
09/07,2010, at 10:38
Dear God, I do not always know what is "your will." But I pray to be willing to be willing. Help me cling to You... Even when I am uncertain. Even when I am afraid. Even when I don't know if You exist. They say, "Bidden or unbidden, God is present." Help me LIVE in that faith today, God. Help me live in faith and not fear. Help me take one step in faith, and be astonished to find You there...Reaching out to embrace me!
10/14,2010, at 07:59
I am a new beekeeper and yesterday I was feeding my bees sugar syrup. I decided to put some extra syrup on a sunflower plate on my patio for their pleasure in the afternoon sun. Soon there were thousands of bees humming and drinking the sweet syrup. At that moment I opened my October issue of Listen and read "Become Astonished". Indeed I was, at the majesty and beauty of these precious bees. My directee came just then and knowing she was grieving that her baby granddaughter, whom she had just met, was returning to Alaska, I invited her to watch the bees and we stood at the screen door transfixed, astonished, lulled and soothed by their sonorous hum, their delight and their presence. Together, we had interrupted the past and the future with the present. We had been met in this vulnerable and difficult moment with pure wonder and joy. Our shared astonishment informed both of us of God's enduring presence. She said "You have brought me out of my pit". She was in touch with the joy of life, her visit and her granddaughter and she tearfully told me about the visit, smiling through her stories. We studied the article together and resolved to carry the bees message into our week. Many blessings on you for this wonderful article and the healing that it pointed to. May it be so, Rev. Mary