Contemplative Curiosity: Mary Oliver on Moments
NOTICING AND WONDERING AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Photo of a Ventura, CA sunset taken by Kirsten Harrison
For this practice, settle into your space for 10-ish minutes of presence. Sometimes we can connect to the present moment by noticing what comes up in us as we read, listen, or view a “third thing” and reflecting on it. We may discover insight there, too, but we aren’t approaching the practice with the intention of an outcome. This practice is about entering into what’s happening right now, whatever that is.
Instructions (use them or skip them!):
What is it like inside you and around you in this moment?
What do you notice about your breath?
What do you notice about the physical space you are in?
Is there anything you’d like to attend to before you begin?
Read the following quote (either silently or aloud) 1-2 times. Imagine the words being poured out into your hands. There are so many words — you can’t possibly catch them all. Maybe a couple of words or phrases land in a way that you can turn toward with curiosity.
What do you notice? Are there words or phrases that linger? Or perhaps you have a felt sense of the entire quote.
Read the quote again.
What do you wonder? As you hold what you noticed, or the poem, is there a question that comes up in you? Is there a cascade of questions? Sometimes, writing these down helps us gently excavate our inner landscape.
Bookmark it. Is there a word, phrase, or question you’d like to carry with you (in a journal, to explore in a conversation with a friend, to spiritual direction)?
Savoring & Appreciation. You took some moments to be present. This was the invitation. Whether or not you experienced something that sticks with you, consider savoring the experience and appreciating yourself for showing up.
There are moments that cry out to be fulfilled.
Like, telling someone you love them.
Or giving your money away, all of it.
Your heart is beating, isn't it?
You're not in chains, are you?
There is nothing more pathetic than caution
when headlong might save a life,
even, possibly, your own.
― Mary Oliver in Felicity
Contemplate the image. You may try a similar exercise with the image above. What do you notice? What do you wonder? Are you drawn to the image? Do you resist it?
Would you like some company or gentle guidance as you listen for wisdom and explore new ways of engaging with your soul? Kirsten offers spacious accompaniment and trauma-informed spiritual direction. I’d love to hear what’s stirring in you and meet with you for a free exploration session.
