{Personal Reflections & My Home} sacred in the everyday
September 18, 2014
I hope you're not too tired of images around my house.
I'm actually very tired, but it's a good tired.
Autumn triggers 'nesty-ness' for me so yesterday involved:
(1) purging closets and
(2) round one of organizing purgatory (the storage room).
That room with the shelves of boxes! Oy! The angst!
It is full of nostalgia, dusty exercise equipment, our sons'
childhoods, and odd stuff we think we may someday use.
Even though I don't have to confront our pergatory on a daily basis
(it's not truly purgatory...more like the land of the unloved),
the objects there do seem to possess energy,
and the change of season signals it's time for a shift.
I strive for peacefulness in my environment
maybe because internally there is often a degree
of turmoil and disruption, and simplifying restores
a degree of control and eases the flurry.
Organizing helps, but living more soulfully helps more.
I have learned, for example, in the past year how spiritual practices can
make a powerful difference in my energy, balance, and health.
Two practices in particular that are changing me were
a bit of advice offered to Henry Nouwen from Mother Teresa:
Spend one hour a day in adoration of your Lord,
and do nothing that you know to be wrong.
For me, that one hour often involves sitting at this piano,
the same one which has always been in my family.
I compose lyrics, music, and prayers, and while I'm hopeless
as a player and mediocre as a singer, I find great solace and
solitude and communion with my maker here.
An hour of adoration does not necessarily entail singing or
reading scripture; for me, it often looks like stillness
and quiet listening.
True: As a child I was jealous of the religious practices of my neighborhood friends:
Catholics who had gorgeous churches and these amazing raucous social events, and Quakers
who didn't have to listen to long boring sermons at church (they told me
they simply sat in quiet prayer there).
The balance of that prescription from Mother Teresa
(do nothing you know to be wrong) while more challenging,
is nudging me into a life more pure, holy, and honorable.
Without such active intentions to move me into
a rhythm more divine (and less egoistic), I'm vulnerable
to one disjointed with selfish desires and amnesia for the sacred.
And that is enough confession, soul, and intimacy for today...
especially if you came here thirsty for worlds of energetic
whimsy and motion!
Peace to you right where you are.
24 comments
Love your home and this post. Love the Rosary Beads on the lamp. Love the neutrals. Happy fall.:)
ReplyDeletemerci, lovely. there are rosaries dangling from everything around here. :)
DeleteOh sweet, sweet Michele such beautiful heartfelt words. I love the image of you sitting in your peaceful home at the piano. I feel more peaceful just thinking about it. Thank you for your eloquent description of what you are doing to have a more peaceful meaningful life with your Lord.
ReplyDeletethanks for reading, kathysue.
DeleteMichele your home is beautiful and elegant. It is also calming. This post is beautiful to see and to read. I felt every word and I say Amen.
ReplyDeletethanks for your support, karen.
Deletethank you for the uplift. I'm exhausted. I'd do well to spend that hour also!
ReplyDeleteyou're so welcome, kathryn. thanks for reading.
DeleteThis is a great post!! I love your home it seems to be very calm and cozy!! It has incredible interior!!!
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thanks, jamie. i do love cozy!
DeleteThe words of Mother Teresa! Ring true in what ever your faith or practice.
ReplyDeleteDoing good by all rights, and trusting he will rise up to meet your needs.
This was a beautiful post, touching....you know what will be on my mind all day?
the need to make and set aside more time in serving God.
I never tire of your home, the modern coastal feel to your sanctuary place of shelter.
Xoxo
Dore
oh that you never grow tired, dore. for i will never tire of your words of affirmation. they give me wings ya know.
DeleteI just love the softness of your home...its so pretty!
ReplyDeletemerci, julie.
DeleteI feel like I can breathe easier after reading this post. The soft beauty of the photos, your calming words- this was like a moment of meditation. I never knew Quakers sat in quiet prayer at church sometimes rather than listened to sermons. I think we need to take a page from their book. I just got back from church a few hours ago, and while I love our "rock band" high-energy worship service, an hour of quiet could be just as effective...especially for me when I'm usually chasing a screaming toddler. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletei hear you, lauren! thanks for your kind words and feedback. i'll be visiting your blog again for sure!
DeleteBeautiful, Michele. Suddenly this morning, three of your posts - this one and the two you've done since jumped into my blogger feed all at once. It was like gorging on visual chocolate (perhaps white chocolate or shortbread cookies when one considers the pure beauty of your home). I tip my hat to you for your simplifying, organizing and clearing of the decks. Something I am not good at. At all. But fall is the time for it, and I know my husband would love it, so perhaps you've inspired me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the loveliness! XOXO
oh my! that is planet michele overload...my condolescences, jeanne. things are looking worse here on the way to betterdom so wish me luck as the purge continues!
DeleteI love loo king at your beautiful home and listening to you talk about your thoughts....
ReplyDeleteCindy
Michelle, this is exactly
ReplyDeletewhat I needed to hear,
today. Right now. I may
have to dig out my classical
guitar, have my son tune it--
I used to play, but could never
tune--and weave that into my
own quiet time, as you do your
piano. Thank you for the idea,
and for being you!
xo Suzanne
play! what a kind thing to say.
DeleteI experienced such peace and serenity reading your post and imagining my self in your home. Thank you
ReplyDeleteWhite is exceptionally beautiful spread about in different phases! Happy Fall Lisa@ Sweet Tea N' Salty Air
ReplyDeleteYou really have a beautiful peaceful home..love the simple and the whites..but think being peacful..takes lots of work..ha..decorating and all..
ReplyDeleteJust got a Frenchbull dog puppy and it is even harder to have time to be clean, decorate and spend time in the word..but I sing and praise....you might enjoy my pics on my blog and facebook of the my new Cream Frenchie..she matches the house..
After she grows up it will be easier I hope!!
Check out my husbands Celtic music (St Patrick and Pilgrimaes) and Christmas music..his music is beautiful as you mentioned your love of music in this post. Found you on Furniture Friday..smile.
www.johndoan.com
Your comments add to the beauty...thanks in advance for your kindness.