![\"Cosmic](\"http:\/\/blogs.scu.edu\/writeherewritenow\/files\/2012\/12\/meditation.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe English Department at Santa Clara University is in St. Joseph\u2019s Hall, a building over 100 years old. Once the residence of Jesuit priests, it is graced with stained glass windows, aged wood paneling, and, if you listen carefully, deep spirituality, echoing the Jesuits\u2019 long tradition as \u201ccontemplatives in action.\u201d<\/p>\n
My office on the third floor used to be my friend Chris\u2019s office before he retired. An inspiring teacher, mentor, and friend, Chris is a Quaker, who had a ritual of withdrawing to his office to \u201ccenter down\u201d before going to class. Years ago, he told me, he sang with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus. Men and women in the chorus would come to rehearsals from all over the city, making their way through traffic at the end of a hectic work day. As they took their seats, the conductor would ask them to pause, close their eyes, and \u201ccenter down,\u201d for a few silent moments to release the busyness of the day, to tune the instruments of their hearts and minds. \u201cNow,\u201d she would say as they opened their eyes, \u201cNow we will sing Bach.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chris brought that same sense of harmony to his classes. Entering the room with a deep sense of presence, he would bring the great works of literature to life, relating mindfully to each student, asking questions with the Socratic method, drawing the diverse group of students into a dynamic dialog of discovery, blending their insights into new harmonies.<\/p>\n
He carefully prepared for class. Not just rereading the texts, reviewing lessons and lectures, but preparing himself for those crucial few moments before class as he withdrew to his office. Closing the door, drawing the latch, he would sit quietly in his chair, closing his eyes, to center down–a sacred ritual.<\/p>\n
One afternoon before Chris\u2019s class, the university president wanted to return a borrowed book. He called the department secretary who said that Chris had just gone to his office. So he walked over to our building, up the three flights of stairs, and knocked at Chris\u2019s door. No answer. He paused for a moment, then turned and walked away. Chris finished his meditation, gathered up his books, and went to class. The incident spread around our department and when the university president, a Jesuit priest, told the story, he would smile at his friend\u2019s example as a \u201ccontemplative in action.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a contemplative leader, do you have your own daily ritual for centering down? If not, consider beginning this practice:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Before you begin your day at work, pause for a moment\u2014after you park your car in the parking lot or in your office before that rush of meetings and appointments, close the door for a few silent moments.<\/li>\n
- Close your eyes and center down, releasing all the busy details. Simply be present.<\/li>\n
- Take a deep breath and slowly release it, feeling the sense of peace flow through you, spreading out to the people in your world.<\/li>\n
- Then gently open your eyes and open your heart to this new day with all the gifts it brings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Namaste,<\/p>\n
Diane<\/p>\n
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\u201cClose the door, Focus your senses, This is the way of Tao.\u201d Tao Te Ching, 56 The English Department at Santa Clara University is in St. Joseph\u2019s Hall, a building over 100 years old. Once the residence of Jesuit priests, … Continue reading