2. Weaving a “pause that refreshes” into the fabric of every day by providing a common reading / listening meditation at seven different hours spread across all twenty-four. We will use poems from Mary Oliver’s book, Why I Wake Early  available for purchase on line.

Read the appointed poem aloud at the appointed time of day.  Follow the links below for the text of each poem, or click the graphic to listen to it —  compliments of Susan Fertig Dykes

5am Dawn / Waking, praising for the coming of the light Why I wake Early Page 3 (Lauds)

 

9am Planning, assigning, beginning our work How Everything Adores Being Alive Page 20 (Terce)

 

12noon Midday: the hour of full illumination. experiencing the full joy of our work This World Page 27. (Sext)

 

3pm Mid-afternoon when shadows begin to lengthen; reflecting on our own limitations Song of the Builders Page 60 (None)

 

5pm Evening begins its descent; offering thanks for the gifts of the day and forgiveness for its hurts Luna Page 43. (Vespers)

 

9pm Darkness, entering rest and renewal Logos Page 40 (Compline)

 

12 midnight- 5am Deep darkness and listening to the wisdom emerging from the dark (Matins) The Lily Page 24 (Matins)

For descriptions of the time of day, see THE ARTIST’S RULE: nurturing your creative soul with monastic wisdom. Christine Valters Paintner. Soriin Books, 2011.