Thursday, April 28, 2016

Daily Meditation: Writing, Opening a Deep Well


DAILY MEDITATION

Writing, Opening a Deep Well
April 28
Photo courtesy of Judith Leckie
Writing is not just jotting down ideas. Often we say: "I don't know what to write. I have no thoughts worth writing down." But much good writing emerges from the process of writing itself. As we simply sit down in front of a sheet of paper and start to express in words what is on our minds or in our hearts, new ideas emerge, ideas that can surprise us and lead us to inner places we hardly knew were there.

One of the most satisfying aspects of writing is that it can open in us deep wells of hidden treasures that are beautiful for us as well as for others to see.
Henri Nouwen
For further reflection...

"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.  Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you were taught." - Luke 1: 1-4 (NIV)
Your response...

"A blank piece of paper is God's way of telling us how hard it is to be God." - Sidney Sheldon

Comment on this Daily Meditation.
Continue the Inspiration

Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Spiritual Journals".
 
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Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Scripture chosen by L. Yeskoo.
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Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Daily Meditation: Writing to Save the Day


DAILY MEDITATION

Writing to Save the Day
April 27
Photo courtesy of Judith Leckie
Writing can be a true spiritual discipline. Writing can help us to concentrate, to get in touch with the deeper stirrings of our hearts, to clarify our minds, to process confusing emotions, to reflect on our experiences, to give artistic expression to what we are living, and to store significant events in our memories. Writing can also be good for others who might read what we write.

Quite often a difficult, painful, or frustrating day can be "redeemed" by writing about it. By writing we can claim what we have lived and thus integrate it more fully into our journeys. Then writing can become lifesaving for us and sometimes for others too.
Henri Nouwen
For further reflection...

"This is the one who testifies to these things and who wrote them down.  We know that his testimony is true.  Jesus did many other things as well.  If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." - John 21: 24-25 (NIV)
Your response...

Do you write or journal as a spiritual practice? Comment on this Daily Meditation.
Bread for the Journey
Continue the Inspiration

Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Bread for the Journey".
 
Visit our Bookstore:
United States | Canada | United Kingdom
Consider our monthly giving program to sustain the ability to extend Henri's legacy and make his work available to those who seek spiritual formation and nourishment. Click here to sign up today.
Way of the Heart Conference is coming June 9-11. Book your tickets now!
Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Scripture chosen by L. Yeskoo.
STAY CONNECTED:
Forward This Email to a Friend


This email was sent to cbgamb@gmail.com by email_lists@henrinouwen.org |  
Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | About our service provider.
Henri Nouwen Society | 95 St. Joseph Street, Room 214 | Toronto | ON | M5S 2R9 | Canada