Wisdom Roads

Author(s): Lorrence G Muller
Publisher: Continumm New York

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EDWARD MCCORKELL
Though monks and nuns in contemplative orders give a special emphasis to this.
L.M.: Like the Trappists here. Do you think that Jesus himself practiced contemplative prayer when he went up to the mountain to experience some necessary solitude?
E.M.: Exactly, I'm glad you bring that up, that is very important. Jesus did get tired; he was human. He had to get away from the crowd. Now if he had to do that, how much more we should need to do so. Many people say that: Well, he was just doing it to set an example. But he had to do it. He was not just setting an example; though he was also doing that. He was making very clear that the human condition is such that we all require solitude, and quiet, and silence. And in order that we might enter into this intimate relationship with God through contemplative prayer.
L.M.: You said that you still do yoga exercises every day.
E.M.: I do yoga every morning because I am convinced of the importance of the body—that it be conditioned as an instrument of the spirit, rather than an obstacle. Diet is important, the right kind of food and not to be overweight. Also, breathing and posture, especially deep breathing. We have tremendous capacity to breathe and yoga helps with that.
L.M.: Often we don't breathe deeply.
E.M.: Normally, we don't. But in yoga we learn breathing exercises. Then one is more awake and alert. When people doze off, it's because they're not breathing deeply, it's superficial breathing. In fact, the process of breathing is a very good symbol for the movement of the spirit in contemplative prayer.
L.M.: We are centering on the spirit.
E.M.: We are doing it in the communion of saints; we are not alone in all
this.
.L.M.: They are with us.
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