In the movie Gladiator, the dying emperor Marcus Aurelius, asks Maximus,
Marcus: “Why are we here?
Maximus: “For the glory of Rome”
Marcus: “What is Rome, Maximus?”
Maximus: “I have seen much of the world, and it is cold, and dark. Rome is the light.”
Marcus: “Yet you have never been there!”
Maximus believed in the glory and purpose of Rome, despite having never seen it. He led men into battle for a vision of world he had never been to but believe could be, even if the reality of Rome was far from it. He had a whisper of what life was meant to be. Where did that come from I wonder?
All good adventurers learn to listen to the wind, that still small voice that moves inside you, a voice that can’t be rushed, controlled or debated. It can only be embraced. It whispers of a world without careers, competition or criticism, where your dreams flourish, adventure is the norm and beauty is all around. All our heroes, great art and beautiful music are but remnants of that far off country. Yet few remember or pay attention anymore.
Your activities and your life, is not about you and your comfort! This can be the hardest lesson we ever learn. Our lives must point to a purpose greater than our own well-being that pushes us to stretch, grow and risk. People will rarely embrace your self-interest, but they will follow you when your story connects to some great dream, a noble calling or a grand adventure.
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” C.S. Lewis
Soul Listening
Take 5 minutes and sit absolutely still with your eyes closed. Let the voices in your brain slowly go silent. Don’t try and say anything, think anything or conjure up feelings you think you should have. Just feel the rhythm of your heart beat and the steady pace of your breath. This is the beginning of life.
Take 10 minutes and let your spirit talk with God. What is troubling your heart, what circumstances break your heart, what joys, beauty, and love stir your deepest longings for a Kingdom you’ve never been to but know exists. Do not try to be impressive by using flowery language, but talk openly, honestly and even emotionally if you can.
Take 10 minutes and receive strength for the journey. What mountains must yet be climbed, what seas are yet to be crossed, what joys await around the next bend. If you were in a cemetery right now, what would the dead want to say to you, and you to them? Ask away…
Take 5 minutes and just smile. Force it initially if you have to, but feel the warmth and happiness of God’s Presence fill you up.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14
Great post Steve! Meditation without words has always ended in sleep for me. How do you keep your focus?
I try to stay focused by making an appointment with God. I sit in a comfortable chair, not lying down. I try to become more aware, heightened sensitivity to stillness and with an expectation of hearing from God. Sometimes I just need to blurt out what’s bugging me, but then I always want to ask, What’s bugging God? The first couple of time will be hard because of what some call “Monkey Brains” that chatter in our minds that say out time is better spent DOING something important. When it passes, this will be a time to become more yourself. I think everyone, even Jesus’ disciples, had a hard time with Focus.