Next Retreat at Gethsemani

I am planning on going on a retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani  October 24th-thru October 28th 2016

I really am looking forward to the rest and relaxation

Hope and what it means

If one has hope, than one can endure the unknown future in realizing tomorrow
and however many days ahead one has the same quest to live.

Merton , how he still speaks to us!

I am quite contemplative this past week,   I am a man in need of repair and my soul is dusty and
spirtually bankrupt now......struggles are ahead!

Merton's Asian Journal and Contemplative Prayer

I received each as a Christmas present and am now pouring over them, reading each with joy.....
it is a delight to travel to places where I might not go!  And to read the reflections of Bro. Louis
on them.

Latest retreat at the Abbey

My latest retreat, October 16th thru 19th was one of the best.   It was relaxing, contemplative and the weather was absolutely perfect.   I hiked all day friday, saturday and sunday finding many interesting rocks, fossils and other small keepsakes in the 1200 acre woods.   The food was excellent, we even had seafood pasta on sunday!  I really had time to regroup and prepare myself for the coming onslaught of medical tests and whatever might be ahead in my health.

Thank you Brothers of the Abbey of Gethsemani!

The quiet solitude of contemplation

I am sure that all you readers of my blog ask, "what is this man who is an atheist , writing a blog
about Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, who lived and worked at a Benedictine monastery?
It is because he sought solitude
and sanctury
alone...... alone
to be alone.......
I love the aloneness

to think the idle thoughts , pick through stones in a creek, dig in dirt and sit under spare trees in
early morn, than later to eat a solitary lunch, hearing the church bells of Gethsemani
calling me to supper....
that is
contemplation

What would Merton do?

When faced with uncertainty as Merton often was faced.  What would he do when his health and life were at peril?  Pray all the time?  But what does the humanist, atheist do?
Medical Science helps,,,, I know and realize that my doctors can only help me....their is no divine power outside this life.......