Quote of the day: My friend at the Duke Divinity School, Norman Wirzba, reminded me of something William Blake wrote, that is exceedingly relevant to what each of you may be facing during this era of social distancing. Poet Blake prophesized that, “If the doors of perception were cleaned, everything would appear to man as it is: infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro’ narrow chinks in his cavern.”
Commentary: Our moments of solitude can either open us up in the wild, and fathomless world we are immersed in; or being closed up can close us down into a cavern of fear. Silence and release from distractions can be calming, releasing us to pay attention to the rest of the world, rather than making us feel claustrophobic and “cut off.” It is what we choose to be open to in this unusual moment.
Suggested Action #40: As you walk in solitude today, focus on what and whom you feel connected to, regardless of how much social distancing you practice. Simply seek out something nearby which you have never taken time to be engaged. Seize the moment!
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Gary Paul Nabhan aka Brother Coyote is a professed member of the Ecumenical Order of Franciscans, a graduate of the Living School, a conservation biologist, orchard-keeper and story-teller.
