"A Blessing for the Senses" (Lectio Divina)

This morning during sunrise meditation, we engaged a "Lectio Divina" process with a poem by John O'Donohue, excerpted from his book, Anam Ċara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom.

“A Blessing for the Senses”

May your body be blessed. May you realize that your body is a faithful and beautiful friend of your soul. And may you be peaceful and joyful and recognize that your senses are sacred thresholds. May you realize that holiness is mindful, gazing, feeling, hearing, and touching. May your senses gather you and bring you home. May your senses always enable you to celebrate the universe and the mystery and possibilities in your presence here. May the Eros of the Earth bless you.

— John O’Donohue, Anam Ċara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

In our Sunrise Meditation series, we engage several different styles of meditation, with lectio divina being one of them. In this process, we're invited to read a passage multiple times, each time deepening into a word or phrase Spirit is drawing us into for further exploration, meaning-making, or as a way of delivering us a message.

In the space of about 25 minutes, we follow a form of this path:

1. Silencio - Silent preparation. Breathe. Guided energy meditation.

2. Lectio - Settling and Reading. Read the passage slowly, listening for a word or phrase that captures your attention, even if you don't know why. Repeat the word or phrase to yourself during the silence.

3. Meditatio - Savoring and Reflecting. Read the text again and allow the chosen word or phrase to spark your imagination. What could it mean in terms of a message from or about the Divine? How does it speak to your life? What connects it to you?

4. Oratio - Conversation with the Divine, or Prayer. Read the text again and listen for an invitation - to commune with the Divine; to implement a change in your life; to ponder a new awareness or action. Journaling welcome here, as we usually spend several minutes in this phase.

5. Contemplatio - Slowing and Stilling. Move into a time of simply resting in the presence of the Divine. Slow your thoughts and sink into stillness. Rest and allow yourself to simply be.

6. Closing. Connect once again with your breath and become aware of your body and the space you are in. Re-grounding. Take a few minutes to journal, and reflect on the process itself.