Nothing passed unnoticed or unhonored

Posted on by Live & Learn

mudraZuisei1

Most of us do not live a life of monastic rigor. Our days are full of jagged edges and jangling moments. But most of us do have quiet routines that inform our lives. We rise each morning and greet our day in the same fashion. A first cup of coffee, a glance at the paper, a certain way we bathe and prepare for our entry into the day — these do not change. They are the rituals by which we shape our days. But we do not value them as rituals. To us they are the ordinary — sometimes comforting, sometimes mind-deadening — activities that give a familiar sameness to our life. Far from honoring them, we pay them no heed. We see them as routines, not as paths to awareness. My time in the monastery taught me otherwise. To be sure, the monks lived a life of deep sacramentality and prayer, and that was the true source of their spiritual vision. But the mindful practice of their spiritual exercises spilled over into the way they carried on their daily affairs. They were present to nuance, aware of the space around events. A cup of tea, a meal partaken, a moment shared with another — all commanded their absolute focus. They had tuned their spirits to a fine and subtle sensitivity, and nothing passed unnoticed or unhonored.

~ Kent Nerburn, Of Coffee Mugs and Monks in Small Graces: The Quiet Gifts of Everyday Life (New World Library. 2010)

Notes:

39 thoughts on “Nothing passed unnoticed or unhonored”

  1. The discipline and belief that no moment is one to be dismissed…we should all be working on that one. A powerful reminder in its reverence.

  2. lovely. these rituals offer us comfort as we ease into and get through another day of unknowns. they remain our constants. i recently read that one of the things that dying people tell their caregivers is that they so wish for ‘just an ordinary day.’ yes.

    1. Beautiful. Full stop.

      Reminds me of:

      This may be a workshop, but I’m the one learning. Part of what I’ve learned is that if it isn’t life and death, it isn’t life and death. I have learned that every moment is precious. I know now that cancer is not an isolated experience; cancer is part of life. I have learned that to be witness to one another’s lives is the greatest of gifts. Thursday afternoons are sacred. Carol Dwyer, one of the writers, puts it perfectly: “Our bonds are quickened by the proximity of death,” she says.

      ~ Abigail Thomas, What Comes Next and How to Like It: A Memoir (Scribner. 2015)

  5. Noticing and honoring these moments is powerful.
    I’m pausing in awe as I type letters into a device that communicates through the air and connects us all!😃

  8. I’ve heard it said that the family yogi is the hardest yogi, i.e., to be in the world. On retreats I find ritual in everything. In daily life I am challenged to remember.

  10. This resonated with me today. I was just thinking this morning about how dull my morning routine was before going to work and wishing I had a magic wand that could just do it all for me at once. This has given me a new perspective.

  11. Loved reading this great piece of writing this morning. Here I am deep in thought then go deeper after reading this. Great timing David for you to share. Thanks
    And I do love the line, “present to nuance, aware of the space around events”. We need more of this in our lives.
    All the best – Michael

  12. I love what Alan A. Malizia,said.
    For me, I try to as part of my needed, valued early morning Solitude to ask God to Order my steps as I go on about my day. .Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV) Routine and effective habits are important. Setting the tone personally, for the day. The mindful action of doing takes focus and moves us forward..& helps to prepare us for what lies ahead. As we all know, Some days have more than their fair share of challenge within the breath of life – so one needs to remember to breath deep & draw upon the strength gained in Solitude..I am breathing deep and gritting my teeth today..Inward challenge – physical pain with any movement & some frustration with that. .Each breath is a gift.
    What Kent Nerburn said, is true.
    ” But the mindful practice of their spiritual exercises spilled over into the way they carried on their daily affairs.”
    Further thoughts on, Solitude. It is a choice to engage with oneself, to continually cultivate my inward self. Reaching for daily peace & inner strength, grounds & refuels me. . Within our inner self lies much wisdom….

      1. I was having a weak moment in the midst of frustration…sorry for being grouse-y not my general attitude or demeanor. Overall, my day was, a good day.

  15. This is a wonderful affirmation that I am, perhaps, for the first time in my life, doing something honourable in noticing the small stuff. Thank you x

  16. I don’t think there is a ritual i value more than being the first one up in my apartment and quietly drinking a cup of coffee. Ok, possibly the only one I enjoy more is the same set up, but at the beach.

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