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Reflection for December
2002
The Mystic Heart
"The mystic heart in its maturity reflects the essential elements, gifts and genius of all the traditions of spiritual wisdom: an actual moral capacity, solidarity with all living beings, deep nonviolence, humility, spiritual practice, mature self-knowledge, simplicity of life, selfless service and compassionate action, and the prophetic voice. These are further refined through a series of capacities that result from the inner journey: openness, presence, listening, being, seeing,
spontaneity, and joy.
All of these elements, factors and qualities are part of the universal mystical tradition that undergirds the religions and cultures of the world.
A universal spirituality also has a place for various approaches to transformation from self-interest to other-centeredness, love, compassion, mercy, and kindness. This labor of transformation is the work of the contemplative in all of us, and generously accepting that work permits us to cultivate our own mystic character. The mystic character grows out of humility of heart and simplicity of spirit, a radical openness to the real."
excerpts from-- The Mystic Heart
by Wayne Teasdale p. 243-244
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Monthly Practice:
 | December is the month where many "holi-days" from different spiritual traditions are celebrated. It is also the darkest time of the year waiting for the opportunities to naturally emerge into gradual light. Time for gift-giving and quality connection with friends, family, and colleagues provides an opportunity to experience "the mystic heart" and develop our mystic character--to practice openness, presence, listening, being, seeing, spontaneity, and joy.
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| Express the mystic heart and its transformation power through daily actions of love, compassion, mercy, kindness and generosity.
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| Pray for 40 days to access our moral capacity, solidarity with all living things, deep non-violence, self-less service, and humility.
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