Becoming present and attentive (August)

How often in life is our attention elsewhere? Our focus might be on something that has happened in the past or we may be thinking about the future. Rarely are we present and attentive to the time that is now and it is so easy to miss the wonders of particular moments.

If we are conscious about it, a pilgrimage can be a perfect opportunity to be present and attentive. It can enable us to take time out of our everyday routines and just ‘be’. It can also mean that we are more attune to the call for Mercy in our world.

To assist us in becoming present and attentive on our pilgrimage, we have packed a backpack and bilum full of items that stimulate our five senses and invite you to use these items over the next month.

Click here for the backpack and bilum

This month you are invited to:

• Carry the backpack and bilum in your hearts and minds.
• Take what you need – While the backpack and bilum are full, only take out what you need when you feel you need it.
• Start with the prayers and reflection – A good place to start is the Dawn Instrumental and the four prayers – Morning, Midday, Afternoon and Evening. These prayers and reflections are great enablers to focus attention on the rhythm of the day and remind us that we do not go through life on our own as we are in harmony with everything on the planet.
• Draw on ancient wisdom and practices – We offer some ancient wisdom in the form of the Dadirri, Labyrinth and the Om Namaha Shivaya.
• Practice mindfulness – Something as simple as sipping a glass of water can be a Meditation enabling us to express gratitude, attentiveness and presence.
• Raise your awareness and make a difference by dancing, creating and planting – Through the Dance of the Starlings, Easing a Child’s Pain…One Stitch at a Time and Time to Heal the Earth, we focus on all living things on Earth and our quest to tread lightly and make a positive impact.
• Nourish your tastebuds as well as you soul – In tickling our tastebuds we can nourish our souls and experience a sense of bliss. If you are able, take some time to make these wonderful Bliss Balls and if you do, why not share some of them with a neighbour or friend.
• Reflect on what it means to be a pilgrim – Using the Journal, Poem, Song and Reflection you are invited to reflect on what it means to be a pilgrim on a journey. Often our journeys may seem routine yet if we see them through new lenses we can appreciate the sacredness of every moment in our lives.
• Remember Step Two – Place into the backpack and bilum any of the items that you chose to pack in Step Two.
• Share Your Reflections in the Pilgrims’ Place.

Sisters Liz Callen, Anne Foale, Cynthia Griffin and Helen Kearins.

Thank you to the following people who were involved in preparing this material for Step Three – Sisters Cynthia Griffin, Liz Callen, Anne Foale, Helen Kearins, Theresia Tina, Duyen Nguyen, Barbara Broad and Margaret Adams; Sally Neaves; Mark Thompson; Cynthia Mulholland; and, John Rochester.

You are invited to your thoughts, images, videos, resources on the Pilgrims’ Place.

Step Four will commence on Friday, September 5.