Return to Me With All Your Heart: Week 2, Resilience, Day 1

Linda

Feb 25, 20243 min read

For our loving God does not turn away from the afflicted,

and does not hide from them; but their cries are heard, their prayers rise up to heaven.

To You, O Beloved, I lift up my voice in the great congregation;

for You promise to remain with those whose love is steadfast.

The hungry shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek You shall sing praises!

Your Heart is our dwelling place forever! ~Psalm 22:24-26, Psalms for Praying

Take a slow look at the photograph above. Contemplative photography is an approach to being attentive to what you see and learning from it. Notice the colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. Notice the central figure and the surroundings. What speaks to you?

When I noticed this tree while hiking, I couldn't help but think about the stages of its life: how vulnerable it must have been, its struggle to survive, and its resilience. The seed was not planted in normal fertile soil, but on a rock. It persevered and adapted to its surroundings. There was no good place to take root, however, the little sapling clung to the rock for strength. The rock held it firm until its roots found its way down along the rock to the ground where it further anchored itself. It flourished in spite of the obstacles it faced. Wow! I wonder; am I resilient like this young tree planted on a rock? How do I adapt to obstacles? How might I flourish in a less-than-ideal environment?

The dictionary definition of resilience is “an ability to recover from or adjust to misfortune or change.” Resilience is about persevering in spite of adversity. It requires acceptance of and adaptation to a new reality. Richard Rohr says that "resilience is the secular word for faith--the ability to trust and let go. It's the ability to face hardship with greater love and deeper awareness." The Psalmist reminds us that God does not turn away from the those who are struggling. We can count on God to hear our prayers. Our faith will help us to be persevere in difficult times knowing we can trust the One who loves us and desires that we flourish.

There are many ways to perish,

or to flourish.

How old pain, for example, can stall us at the threshold of function….

….consider, always, every day, the determination of the grass

to grow despite the unending obstacles. ~Mary Oliver

Rohr reminds us, "the practice of contemplation, being fully present, is one way to grow more resilient. Contemplation helps us engage with a world on fire--without burning up or out. We live in a world on fire. As the flames of unjust societies, humanitarian disasters, and ecological crises flicker around us, it is easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed. How can we respond to this destructive era with wisdom, love, and peace?

Radical Resilience — tending our inner flame

so we can stand in solidarity with the world without burning up or out.

Song: Always with me, Porter's Gate Project with Lyrics, (featuring IAmSon, Paul Zach)

Reflection:

As you spent time with the photograph above, what spoke to you? What did you notice in the picture and what was happening within you?
How have you been resilient? What helped you persevere?
Rohr emphasizes the importance of tending our inner flame so that we can stand in solidarity with others who are vulnerable and not burn out. How has self-care and tending to your inner flame helped you be more resilient?

Resource:

Rohr, R. (2024) Daily Meditations. Radical Resilence. Center for Action and Contemplation