Guided Meditation #5: The Cave of My Heart
“The farther the outward journey takes you, the deeper the inward journey must be. Only when your roots are deep can your fruit be abundant.”
~Henri Nouwen (The Inner Voice of Love)
In this season of self confinement, I recognize the need to offer hospitality to others that I may encounter. But I also take time to recognize the divine, gentle welcome toward my own soul. God invites me to come to a place of settled comfort. I am honored by the Holy One who notices my need for hospitality toward my own heart.
As I come to this quiet place, I focus and center on the word welcome… welcome. I receive the word as a key that will open a door into my own inner being, the cave of my heart.
When I enter in, what do I notice within my own soul? I acknowledge any part of me that hesitates at the doorway, that shies away from the gaze of love, and I receive grace that allows that part of me to be as it is.
I let my mind’s eye adjust to the light of this inner place where the loving Divine presence dwells. I recognize that this is a safe place, a welcoming space, and In faith I step fully inside and make myself comfortable in this unhurried stillness.
I breathe deeply and receive the gift of life into every bone, muscle, fiber, cell of my being. I slowly exhale, releasing tension, hassles, concerns, into the stillness that surrounds me and comforts me.
Opening my hands, I let them rest in my lap as a sign of my willingness to receive all that is given from the Spirit, and to release all that is not needed for my contentment.
I imagine an intimate welcoming space, a fire in a fireplace or an outdoor firepit. A small table is set with my favorite delights and a warm drink is offered.
Although no words are needed, I now feel at peace sharing anything that comes to my mind, or that has burdened my spirit recently. I am free to wonder and wander through the questions arising from my heart’s desire.
After I have released all that I long to share with the Holy One, I rest silently. I wait. I listen for any response that draws me nearer to the heart of God.
As this time draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude which I form into one word, or thought, one prayer, or one image, and lift it up as a thanksgiving offering. I end our time with “Amen.”
