A Passage for July

Sometimes, in this fast-paced world that we live in, it can be good to take the time to slow down, to quiet ourselves, to withdraw our attention from the myriad external stimuli of modern life so that we can deepen our meditation and extend the peace we gain during those thirty minutes each morning to the rest of our day. No wonder Easwaran made slowing down one of his eight points!

We on the YA Blog Team live in big cities, full of sights, sounds (and smells) and people rushing about. No matter where we live, we can often feel the hurry and distraction of modern society, from smart phones and the internet to work deadlines and traffic. This month we chose a passage that reminds us that seeking the peaceful silence within can be a great source of calm and strength.

This passage’s source, The Ortha Nan Gaidheal, is a collection of prayers from the Celtic Christian tradition, a tradition that sought to sanctify all aspects of daily life, however mundane. Whether the act be waking up, going to bed, lighting a fire or walking into a room, this tradition had a blessing to go with it, reminding us that divinity is all around us and within us.

So, we invite you this month to join us in memorizing and/or putting into your passage rotation “Silence,” from The Ortha Nan Gaidheal.

We would love to hear from you in the comments! What benefits do you feel you would gain by meditating on this passage?

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Silence – The Ortha Nan Gaidheal

I weave a silence onto my lips.
I weave a silence into my mind.
I weave a silence within my heart.
I close my ears to distractions.
I close my eyes to attractions.
I close my heart to temptations.

Calm me, O Lord, as you stilled the storm.
Still me, O Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all tumult within me cease.
Enfold me, Lord, within your peace.