Thoughts on the Discovery of Beauty by Wayne Sismic


Wayne Sismic teaches in the Religious Studies Department of Ursuline College in Cleveland, Ohio, and directs retreats that explore the mystics as spiritual guides. He is author of:
Praying With Thomas Merton (Companions for the Journey) (Paperback - Mar 1994) AND
Thomas Merton. An Invitation to the Contemplative Life. (The Word Among Us Press, 2006).

As an avid fan of Merton I have found both books great traveling companions for the contemplative journey. If you have not read any of Merton's writings, both books are also great introductions to the famous Trappist monk and prolific author on contemplative prayer. 

During this past winter my husband and I had the good fortune of hearing Wayne speak at Ursuline College. He shared his own journey of discovering the richness of silence and solitude, seeing God's beauty, and hearing God's voice. His message, finding hope and healing in living a contemplative life, is more appropriate than ever during these difficult economic times. Many face an uncertain future, and seek hope when dealing with loss. I asked Wayne to share his a story on his discovery of beauty. He shared a simple moment as a young boy, but a moment that set him on the journey of faith and the discovery of God's radiant beauty in the world.


I remember walking a meadow path on the family farm when I was nine years old. It was a cool summer morning and the sunlight was just beginning to filter through the tall dew soaked grass. As the sun rose in the horoizon the drops of moisture began to sparkle and the whole place took on a glow. I stopped in my tracks, awestruck, and gazed around me at wide swaths of flashing light. It lasted for only a moment, but my eyes continued to see beams of light long afterwards. At some point I felt an inner assurance that this experience would stay with me for the rest of my life and remain a guide for something important.

Many years later, I realized that this experience fit Thomas Merton's description of contemplation. This helped me describe it, mine its importance, and continue to treasure it as the gift it was. I have crossed paths with many who have had similar childhood revelations and have been able to reinforce the importance of these as spiritual markers because of my own experience.
So it is easy for me to identify witn the importance of finding "hope and healing through beauty," espeically today... 


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Posted by Debra Classen at 4/7/2009 12:30 PM
Categories: Contemplative Prayer,Book Recommendations
Tags: prayer Thomas Merton contemplative
 

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  • 4/8/2009 10:27 AM Beryl Singleton Bissell wrote:
    This short review launched intense longing to recapture the solitude and silence that's been remarkably absent from my life for the past month. I'd not heard of Wayne Sismic prior to this post. Thanks for the intro.
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