Wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, what could it look like today for you to hold loving presence for someone or something in your life?
Whether it’s a family member, a coworker, or a situation that has nothing to do with you but you find yourself a part of, how can you offer a posture of loving presence?
In his book, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, John O’Donohue speaks of loving presence in this way:
“Love is anything but sentimental. In fact, it is the most real and creative form of human presence. Love is the threshold where divine and human presence ebb and flow into each other.” [1]
As we continue exploring the soul work of love this month, and as you sit with the prompts in today’s PAUSE, consider where the invitation for “loving presence” might fit and apply to the lived experience of your everyday life.
-With Joy (and love)
Spiritual Director
Co-Founder & Content Director
cindy@joyover.com
Pause for Thought
“The soul needs love as urgently as the body needs air. In the warmth of love, the soul can be itself.” [2] The alignment. The knowing. The oneness. That’s your destiny.”
Pause for Practice
Read through the following passage of scripture three times. After each read-through, let the text percolate in your mind as you notice what word or words stand out. Invite God to speak meaning through the word/s that surfaced.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” [3]
Pause for Examination
What person in my life needs less of my opinions and more of my love?
- [1] John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, pg. 13.
- [2] Ibid. Page 8.
- [3] 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, WEB.
- The story behind this month’s theme — the soul work of listening by Dustin Heigh.
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If you would like to share this issue of PAUSE – via text, social media, or email – just copy and paste this link: https://joyover.com/pause/may-8-2024
- To explore free artwork for the practice of “Visio Divina—The Sacred Art of Seeing,” visit our library » previous month’s art offerings
P.S. May you listen more deeply to *God’s* voice, and the way *He* invites you to speak to yourself.
