Center for Action and Contemplation Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation "Sabbath Meditation — Remember: Leaving the Garden; Rest: Pranayama" for Saturday, 1 March 2014

Center for Action and Contemplation Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation "Sabbath Meditation — Remember: Leaving the Garden; Rest: Pranayama" for Saturday, 1 March 2014

Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation

"Leaving the Garden"

"Sabbath Meditation"

Saturday, March 1, 2014

"Remember: Leaving the Garden" 

The Bible has us begin in “the Garden” where Adam and Eve walk in easy proximity with God and where they “know no shame” (Genesis 2:25). (Sunday)

We cannot objectively be separate from God; we all walk in the Garden whether we know it or not. (Monday)

We have to leave the Garden . . . . We begin the process of individuation, which includes at least four major splits. 

(Tuesday)

Life and death are not two, but include one another.

(Wednesday)

In Jesus, there’s no enmity between body, soul, and mind. 

(Thursday)

Both the idealized self and the shadow self can blind one to one’s best and deepest self. (Friday)

Rest: Pranayama, Alternate Nostril Breathing 

This breathing practice can help restore balance in the brain, stimulating and then relaxing left and right hemispheres. Breathing through the left nostril is calming and accesses the right or “feeling” side of the brain; breathing through the right nostril is energizing and accesses the left or “thinking” hemisphere. And don’t knock it until you have tried it!

Sitting in a comfortable, upright position, breathe deeply, drawing in air deeply so belly rises. Exhale completely. Continue breathing naturally and deeply for a few breaths. On your next inhale, gently press against the right nostril with the right thumb and breathe in through the left nostril. With your right ring finger, close the left nostril and exhale through the right nostril. Inhale through the right nostril, then close it and exhale through the left. Repeat the pattern for several minutes and then rest in simple awareness of your body’s rhythmic breath. 

For further study:

Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer (book)

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life (book and journal) 

Franciscan Mysticism: I AM That Which I Am Seeking (CD, MP3 download)

Immortal Diamond: The Search for Our True Self (book)

Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality (book)  

Gateway to Silence: Life is one good thing!

-------

Center for Action and Contemplation

1705 Five Points Rd SW

Albuquerque, NM 87105 United States (physical) 

PO Box 12464

Albuquerque, NM 87195-2464 United States (mailing) 

(505) 242-9588

cac.org

-------