God's Garden

The dust-covered red Webster's dictionary, which has been a long-time companion for me these last eleven years, defines the word 'ascetic' as 1) one who leads a life of contemplation and rigorous self-denial for religious purposes, and 2) one who lives with strict self-discipline and abstinence. The definition for 'asceticism' is even more beautifully expressed as 1) systematic self-denial for some ideal, and 2) the religious doctrine that one can reach a higher spiritual state by rigorous self-discipline and self-denial. -----Before I go any further, it is important to make clear that the body has many members. Can all parts of the body be the head? Can all parts of the body be hands, legs, ears, etc...No, of course, not. Each part of the body has its own unique purpose and function. Yet, all parts of the body work together for the good of the whole. Hectic moms, career dads, teachers, craftsmen, artists, women and men of science and medicine, we all compliment each other. No path is any less or more sacred and holy than any other life path. Each individual is Called or Chosen for a specific God-Purpose. Each of us is responsible to our concept of God for discerning the path that is appropriate for us, and then to follow, rightly, as we are led. -----Discernment is an on-going process, a life-long process. God is not static, but alive in our lives. Always, we have free will. Slavery to a rigid construct is not true love of God. He allows us our humanity. We fall, falter, lose our way. But, without the struggle, without the journey, there would be no true spiritual growth. -----In God's garden, there are many flowers. Each has its own hue and delicate perfume. All flowers are not the same, nor should they be. The way of the ascetic is not for all. But, there are lessons that we can all share with one another, surely? For example, a kind-hearted woman, who defines herself as a hectic mother of two, inspires me to love selflessly. She does not teach me this lesson in a didactic manner, but by the example of her life. Sometimes the only sacred scripture that others may ever read is the way we choose to live our lives. In a way, we all act out the proverbial mime of the exile. The example of our lives can be a powerful influence for good or for harm. -----We, as human beings, have free will. We can choose which message, or lesson we wish to embody. My good friend, this married mother of two, shares her life with me. Candor can be a gift, if it is shared with love. So, I have been inspired to share my life, the life of the ascetic with all of you, dear readers. -----In this first epistle, I wish to address some popular misconceptions that exist today of one who is chosen to lead a life of asceticism. The ascetic is not someone who is hiding, or morose, or masochistic, or hate-filled. These descriptions and assumptions are a caricature of a life, but not proof of the ascetic life itself. While it is true that the ascetic lives a life set apart, of silence, and sacrifice, sometimes the most fortified cloister or hermitage is the intimate chamber of one's heart. -----Certain ascetic disciplines can be practiced by all, if and when appropriate. For example fasting may not be the correct form of spiritual practice for one engaged in daily strenuous physical labor. But, fasting, prayer, alms-giving (service to others) are always pleasing to God. Discernment is key in any spiritual practice. -----The ascetic is fortunate to be able to dedicate all energies and focus to this daily dialogue with God. It is God who speaks, mostly in the silence. -----It is my heart's prayer that you, my faithful friend and reader, will continue on this journey with me, as we share life experiences, and perhaps learn, one small step at a time, of the way of the ascetic. -----Peace be to you, today and always. If you can, tonight before falling asleep, take a silent retreat of a few seconds, or minutes, to spend with God. -----All my love, your little brother.