Awe-inspiring moments

Awe Inspiring moments - Read by Dustin Thiele

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The contemplative life follows a circular flow: awe leads to introspection, which

leads to awe.

Picture this - while preparing breakfast, you step outside to gather fresh thyme from the kitchen garden under the sunrise. The sun’s golden glow overwhelms you with beauty. Tears well up as you pause with scissors in hand, feeling a deep connection beyond yourself. In that moment, you are one with the sun, a natural and tranquil sensation. However, the sizzling onions bring you back, and you return inside to continue cooking, stirred by the experience.

This is not the first time we have encountered moments of profound beauty where the boundaries between self and other blurred. Whether witnessing the miracle of childbirth, comforting a friend in their final moments, or sharing an intimate kiss with a loved one, we have transcended the constraints of ego. Through heartbreak and acceptance, we have embraced the unknown, relinquishing the need for control and certainty. In these experiences, we have found liberation from the fear of death.

In such moments, as the sunrise and the act of intimacy, we are profoundly moved. The curtain is drawn back, revealing a world filled with sacredness beyond measure. This experience diverges from the teachings of conventional childhood faith. Our essence is shaped by life’s hardships, strengthened by the bonds of community, enriched by the connections we nurture, and elevated by our deep- rooted relationship with the Earth. Unexpectedly, we encounter the divine presence in the most unlikely of places.

By connecting with moments of awe, we strengthen our commitment to contemplative practices. Diving inward opens pathways to the sacred, connecting us to the Divine Mystery of God. In moments of silence, this Mystery guides us into the world. Being present, attuned to our breath and the songs of nature, reveals the miraculous beauty in each inhale and the harmonious melodies of the natural world.

So, when we engage in meditation, it serves as a dual purpose. Not only does it provide us with a sense of peace and connection to the divine, but it also opens us up to moments of profound beauty upon returning to our daily activities. These encounters with the sacred within the ordinary inspire us to prioritize stillness and mindfulness, despite the constant distractions of the modern world. Our persistent dedication to this practice stems from a deep yearning for the awe-inspiring moments that life has to offer.