Before we begin

Observe the instructions below as you enter through the door

  • ·Laptop closed, every device off
  • ·Phones away, screens dark, headphones out
  • ·Let the room be quiet for the next few minutes

The work will still be here. Let us start somewhere else.

The practice

Prayer of Recollection

hands on your lap · feet on the floor · a slow breath

To recollect is to gather up a scattered self and bring all of it back.

  • ·Name silently the three places your mind is right now
  • ·Notice which one is pulling hardest
  • ·Set them down and come back to this room
  • ·Begin again. That is allowed, every day

Spiritual Disciplines Handbook · Adele Ahlberg Calhoun · Part 7 · Pray

breathe

“In the beginning there are a great many battles …
and afterwards, ineffable joy.”

Amma Syncletica · Syncletica 1

Her image: those who want to light a fire are choked by the smoke first, and cry, and by that means get what they were after.

Amen.

Open your laptops. Let’s begin.