Blog | Page 2 of 13 | Considering Lilies - Reflections on whatever presents itself

Living through Grief

The recent deaths of some people I loved have brought a sad turmoil in my mind: lots of memories, of these people, of other loved ones who died, worries about the immediate family, existential questions, thoughts about the fleetingness of life and gratitude for love. All these thoughts tumble about in my head, and I … Continue reading Living through Grief

“The name you can say isn’t the real name”: Old Chinese wisdom from the booklet Tao Te Ching that I discovered recently. It begins with this wonderful expression of the paradoxical nature of things I enjoy pondering. The saying reminds me that there are things in life that really exist, but can never be fully … Continue reading The name you can say

The line I quoted just above, struck a note for me. In my mind I saw an image of beautiful still waters, and it seemed so very desirable to come home like that. But how? Time for some experimental research. I’ve already done plenty of that, with my experiments in contemplation, meditation with the Jesus … Continue reading Waters of the soul (monster included)

Last Sunday the sermon spoke beautifully about the Father of the prodigal son, the Father who kept waiting, embracing the son with his love that never faltered. A wonderful story about coming home where we are always welcome. The story speaks to me at many levels. First, I was jealous of the younger, more daring, … Continue reading Return to Sender

Album cover of 'Ten new songs' from Leonard Cohen

Reflections on changing faith, guided by ‘Alexandra Leaving’ from Leonard Cohen, and Dante’s Vita Nuova.

A small part of my cartoon on the Jesus Prayer.

A few years ago, I learned about the practice of the ‘Jesus Prayer’: a way of meditating whilst repeating over and over again the short prayer “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me”, or some variation on that. Fr. David recommended it to me in a conversation on the topic of contemplation, but this particular … Continue reading Jesus, bless my soul (text)