Cobblestone Streets as Spiritual Practice
The cobblestone streets around Flores are simply gorgeous - like taking a miraculous little step back in time! They have tremendous character and a lovely old-world charm! Part of that old-world charm; however, is that from the moment you enter the town, you are forced to slow down… that is unless you want to blow out a tire or twist an ankle! I had not previously though of cobblestone streets as an invitation to spiritual practice, but they actually are a powerful and beautiful reminder (both literal and metaphorical!) of the importance of slowing down and opening our eyes to God’s presence with us.
Our group of retreatants from near and far gathered together this evening, exhausted from long days of travel, but eager to slow down and begin our sacred pilgrim’s journey together. Hopefully everyone can get a good night’s sleep and rise refreshed and ready to step into whatever unfolds as we listen for the still small voice of God.
Basia and I spent much of today preparing the chapel and other sacred spaces that will help us to slow down and ease into this gift of silence. What a joy and an honor it has been to let the Spirit nudge us in some lovely creative ways that we look forward to sharing throughout the retreat - some of which I look forward to sharing with you all as well over the days to come.
For the next two days here at Flores, we will be easing slowly into the spiritual practices of sacred silence and pilgrimage. Then on Thursday evening, we will enter into 3 days & 3 nights of deep silence as we reflect on Jonah’s pilgrimage and our own.
As we move through our retreat, we will be holding the prayers that many of you have shared with me. If you have any additional prayer requests, please let me know. If you would hold us in your prayers as well that would be a wonderful gift. Thank you so much for sharing this journey together with us in Spirit.
May we all lean into the invitation of the cobblestone and slow down enough to feel God’s Presence with us as we enter into this time of rest, renewal and retreat.
