The two-day drive north was arduous. I believe I was catatonic on Grace-infused auto-pilot for at least the first day to Grants Pass and certainly through much of the second day to this RESPLENDENT in its pure peace Benedictine Priory in Lacey, Washington. The image is from a little forest behind the retreat center, which is a short walk from the priory itself. Here are some nature photos I took.
My room is called "Gertrude." Her inspiration is "Gertrude the Great of Helfta," a 13th century German monastic, mystic and theologian. No, I hadn't heard of her, either. I was rather hoping for a more well-known icon such as Hildegard or even Julian. Each saint's room has a saying, an encapsulating sentence or two. Gertrude's is this:
I require
nothing
from you
but to come to Me
empty
that I may
fill you.
That pretty much nailed me right in the heart. With all of my keening about my blood counts, having these words on the wall of my small "monk's cell" are reminders.... are reminders.
The sisters are dear. I have joined them for 5pm Mass all three days (mornings & evenings, that is) that I have been here so far. Some members of other denominations are rather strict with cross-pollination. Here I am welcome to share in the Blessed Sacrament. By the time I leave, I'll even be saying Catholic-pronounced Amens! (They say AYY-men; Episcopalians say ah-men). The Lord's Supper precedes the evening meal at 5:30pm, which I've joined every night but tonight, taking a grateful plateful (couldn't resist) to sup in silence. They understand silence. One dear sister in particular has half an eye on me. "We're praying for you," she shared. After the post-meal Evening Praise service (a bit like Evening Prayer but consisting mostly of chanted psalms), she also said, softly and not intrusively, "Are you feeling fragile tonight?" Oh melt my heart with kindness.
SO FAR (ya-ha-HAAAA!) my "treatments" are going well, which today consists of me not feeling horrible as I did during the April round. (I realize that that may change). Yesterday was 50 grams of IV Vitamin C plus a "liver treatment" (galvanizing current sent via little pads). Today I had my IV H202 - 3% pharmaceutical grade hydrogen peroxide. I also had - gasp! - a mild spinal adjustment. I'm not only NOT feeling horrible, I'm feeling rather well. Tired, of course, but essentially unruffled.
I require
nothing
from you
but to come to Me
empty
that I may
fill you.
Yes, this is exactly what you need, and the nurturing and caring sisters sound like absolute angels. I'm sure that it was a joyous welcome after the hard journey. You need some soothing and loving kindness right now, to soothe your soul while your body heals. And this is being good to your whole self. May you find lovely, blessed healing of body and soul during your stay, and may you keep that feeling long after you've left.
ReplyDeleteThe Divine will always find a way to give us just what we need, just when we need it. The quote on the wall proves it.
Be well. Hugs and blessings, and wishes for sweet sleeps in such an enchanted place.
Thank you so much. As I shoulda coulda known, TODAY I hit a wall - my vein just wouldn't take the vites without extreme pain, even with lidocaine. "Fail," I sobbed inside. But it's something else - my body made it very clear that I was not to do something, even though the doc and I thought I "should." Learning learning. Breathing breathing. Tea loosens the grace.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just have to listen to the body, and that still, quiet voice, so deep inside that usually it can scarce be heard. It breathes peace and patience. There will be tomorrow for vitamins, but perhaps today is for quiet meditation, and just breathing and listening to the forest around the Priory. There is more than just vitamins to healing. Today is your day to be empty, that you may be filled.
ReplyDeleteOh, and by the way, tea (as long as it's a good, black {preferably British} tea) is good for EVERYTHING!
Hugs and blessings! Enjoy your day off!
It was a good day off. And when I get a hiccup in my now normal stash of puer tea (I even brought the real McCoy and my special pot on this trip), yes, PGTips for me!
ReplyDeleteYesterday one of the Sisters prayed over me before I left. I had tears in my eyes. The needle poke was like dream butter. It was, after some rustling, seamless. As my doc emailed, PTL!
blessings indeed to you, as well. Checking out from here, hitting St. Marks, checking in to my next place which has no website! "The Hermitage Place" in Tacoma. 3 days there then Sedro Woolley "Thrive."
Thrive should be your watchword on this trip! It's what you're meant to do. The pictures of the St. Ann's Convent complex on line look quite peaceful and lovely. A beautiful place for continued contemplation and soul healing.
ReplyDeleteAnd the weather is cooperating. It's a lovely day. St. Mark's should be perfect this morning.
Hugs and blessings, and wishes for your continued progress to vibrant, happy health!
Bless you! I'll upload a link to more St. Ann's shots I took (you are web sleuth finding that!). Gettin' an IV o' C's now, leaving tomorrow for a long, backroads drive to Sedro Woolley via Pt. Townsend ferry & Whidbey Island. Yah! Living much goodness; writing will come forth. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, the drive sounds sublime, and you sound like you're in high spirits. This latest trip to the clinic has done wonders, I think. And I'm sure that your time at the forest retreats has soothed your soul as well.
ReplyDeleteSafe and wonderful drive, and then a nutritional adventure at Thrive. Keep us posted!
Hugs and blessings!