First Week of Advent, Sunday: The Art of Waiting

In the Heart of Winter:  A Meditator’s Guide to Advent
First Sunday of Advent

Today begins the intentional discipline of faithful waiting—cultivating a positive expectancy that heightens our sensitivity to life. Working with the symbols of Advent is a useful way to experience greater spiritual depth in the days before us.

So much in our Western culture encourages more activity during the days leading up to Christmas. This particular weekend is heralded as the greatest shopping days of the year. What a stark contrast to the inner call to contemplation. People camp out in front of shops to be the first in line when the store opens at midnight. Shop, correspond with family and friends, complete year end projects at the office, plan special meals, attend parties and music performances, decorate your home and on it goes. It is no wonder that so many arrive at Christmas weary of all of the activity, hype, and lack of substance that truly inspires. Yet, when approached with spiritual discipline, these days hold great promise that can enrich not only our inner life but our time of festivity with family and friends as well. We don’t have to choose either contemplation or activity. A spiritual focus can help us set the right priorities.

Let us begin with the commitment to engage in contemplation during this time, deepen our meditation practice, and reflect on the universal spiritual themes that this season of divine revelation can offer. Along with your regular time of prayer and meditation, use these daily guides to explore the spiritual meaning of this season. Approach it with anticipation of divine grace unfolding.

Practice:

Many of us these days are not so skilled at waiting. We are used to speed and become impatient with slow computers or long checkout lines. We want what we want now because our minds are already on to the next thing. The art of waiting is the skill of remaining in the moment, right where we are and considering that moment precious. How do we do that? We do it by watching and witnessing when our attention wanders off into some imagined future. When our thoughts veer into the future, we miss the present moment. Now becomes nothing more than a link between where we are and where we want to be. But now is where life is; it is where God is to be found, where we can truly connect with ourselves and with another. The good news is that when we notice our attention running from the now, we are already stepping back in to being present. Just notice that. Then notice your breath. Imagine that whatever the moment is, that moment is alive with God. This is the art of waiting.

Contemplate:

Waiting patiently in expectation is the foundation of the spiritual life.
—Simone Weil

Now yoga (conscious oneness) is explained. Yoga is experienced when thought activity is restrained. The seer then abides in its own (divine) nature.  

—Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.1-3

Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

—Matthew 24:42

Reflect:

- How willing am I to remain in the moment?

- What must I let go of in order to be fully here?