I receive many emails, text messages and phone calls, every day, asking for answers to complex questions. In our modern day language we call it “feedback,” “advice” or “consulting.” We expect fast, insightful opinions so we can quickly keep going. But in the midst of the pressures to respond quickly, do we devote enough time to meaningful contemplative time so we can really address complex questions?
What is your question?
In ancient Zen training students use “koans,” literally translated as “cases,” which usually involved some teaching in the form of a question. Once you identified “your question” you could just live with the question for years. Meditating on a question or a text is also a tool used by Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Christian tradition.
In your life, do you have a question you meditate on or pray for? Do you give yourself plenty of contemplative time so you can live your question? Do you trust the unfolding possibilities offered to you as you open up and live your question?
Try this meditation:
- Breathe in and out, and scan your body, mind and heart, to check where you are in your life right now. Do you experience peace, hope, or uncertainty and confusion?
- Be mindful of the question that arise as you focus on this moment. If you are overwhelmed by uncertainty, do you have a question you would like to ask? Be precise and clear as you formulate your question.
- Your question should be shaped by openness. Keep the question in mind as you breathe in and out, and you open up to receive your inner wisdom and compassion. Return to that question so you will be periodically reminded of that essential openness.
- Receive without urgency or anxiety. Wait peacefully and trust the infinite wisdom and the insights coming into your heart.
Peace,
Juan