Think of a time when you were very aware of your mind, perhaps working hard to memorize something, do a math problem, or follow directions. Do you remember how mentally focused you were? Is that a relatively familiar state?
Think of a time when you were very aware of your body. Maybe you were learning a new dance routine or sport, trying to carry a heavy tray while waiting on tables, or keeping your balance on a ladder. Isn't this, too, a relatively familiar state?
Now think of a time when you were very aware of your spiritual heart, that part of you that doesn't think or feel, but connects you to others intimately or to God in prayer. Is this harder to imagine? Why do you think that is? I think it's because we don't have ample opportunity to exercise this aspect of ourselves.
Most people who pray spend time in mental prayer: contemplating scripture, interceding for loved ones, or praying an organized prayer like the rosary. These definitely sharpen our ability to connect spiritually. As Teresa of Avila wrote: "Mental prayer...is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him Who we know loves us." However, wouldn't you consider mental prayer to be, first and foremost, a verbal conversation?
Recently I was comforting my daughter when she got hurt. As I held her in my arms and talked to her about what happened, she said something to me that reminded me of spiritual connection. She said, "Don't talk, Mommy. Just hold me." She just wanted to be held close and connect with me intimately, to feel safe with me. Nothing more.
I don't know about you, but I long to feel safe in today's frantic world. I long to be able to tell someone, "Don't talk. Just hold me." But then I think, "But I'm a grownup; I'm supposed to be strong", thereby giving up my right to pursue simple spiritual comfort.
The God called Love tells us to be like children. If you believe he made humans in his image--soul and body--then please realize that he acknowledges our right and need to pursue simple spiritual comfort; made us that way. He made us to commune with him.
Remember this: when God first revealed himself to Abraham so long ago, he said his name was "I Am."
I want simple spiritual comfort from I Am. I want to just be with him. Don't you?
