Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church
1948 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
San Jose, CA 95126
Sometimes I get asked why I am involved in the contemplation services that take place at Holy Redeemer. Frankly, I don't know why more people aren't involved in them.
Contemplation is sitting (or lying) quietly, all of your body completely relaxed. You empty your mind, your soul of thoughts, fears, worries, distractions. You rest quietly and listen. You get there by relaxing each of your muscles, by letting go of each thought. An image I was taught was to imagine myself by a stream and each thing that came up as I was letting go was on a little boat floating away, out of sight, out of mind. There is usually music playing, but there are also the nor mal everyday sounds of life around - traffic, people walking by, talking, occasional sounds like airplanes, a siren. These are all background - life.
This "emptying out" feels to me like the hot mud pools at Yellowstone Park: thoughts, worries, fears bubble up and away. Sometimes, along with the concern comes a new perspective on that problem - a possible new approach, a possible solution. These too bubble away (but I may have a tablet to capture the thoughts for later reflection). A remembered joy bubbles up - with thanksgiving it flows away.
I feel freed, I feel fresh and new, I feel loved by my God. I am equipped to go forth! Who wouldn't want an experience like that as often as possible?