CONTEMPLATIVE CONNECTIONS
Reflection III: A Standard of Measurement
More and more the standard of measurement for the value of something is its “economic impact.” A major convention comes to town or a sports team makes it to the playoffs and the news reports focus on the economic impact of the event. And those who are the economic beneficiaries shift into high gear to maximize the opportunity by raising the price of everything from hotel rooms to hot dogs. Everyone remotely involved jumps on the bandwagon to take credit for this benefit to society and claim it as a feather in their political, corporate or personal caps.
In a very subtle way the media’s extensive use of surveys and other measurements shape our sense of what is important and what we value. They keep us focused on a wide range of issues and activities over which we have little control. They tell us how well we are doing, how well our city, state or country is doing, how well anything they believe we should value is doing. Without discernment on our part they can set the agenda for our thoughts, priorities and actions. Examining what measurements we are interested in and what we measure for ourselves can provide some insight to our values.
Contemplative living, living in true relationship with self, God, others and nature, is a radical change in the way we approach life. Contemplative living sets an agenda and context for our lives that is our own. With our relationships as the lens through which we discern what is important, what we value, what we decide to do or not do, we begin to see the external influences for what they really are. When our relationships become our standard of measurement we connect our inner, spiritual life and our external, active life. Our everyday life becomes our contemplative spiritual life.
Daily consciousness of these four relationships has many positive effects. It deepens our understanding of who we are and what activities are important. It helps us to keep our relationships in balance and to recognize the obstacles to better relationships. It elicits a response from the beneficiaries of our relationship consciousness. Contemplative living can also lead us to take a more active role in addressing some major issues confronting humanity and the strength of our relationships becomes the spiritual reserves needed for sustaining such work. When relationships are “true,” free from illusions, especially the illusion of separateness, we experience how deeply connected we are to God, others and nature. As Thomas Merton wrote, “We are already one. But we imagine that we are not. And what we have to recover is our original unity. What we have to be is what we already are.” (The Asian Journal of Thomas Merton)
The Merton Institute exists to assist all who seek to live more contemplatively. The Bridges to Contemplative Living series is a primary resource, especially for small groups. Learn more about Bridges by reading the Series Sampler and Leaders Guide on line at www.mertoninstitute.org. We welcome your questions, comments and ideas.
© 2007 The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living
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