Do you have two voices in your heart vying for your attention? I do.
One tells me I am called to be a writer and teacher, drawn into the public eye. The other urges me to withdraw from the world of ambition in pursuit of the contemplative life. Which voice will emerge triumphant—or is there a third option, the path of the mystic, luring me towards the reconciliation and joy I seek?
Last summer, struggling with this tension, I made a sacred vow. I would sit by the river that runs behind my house in search of unity every day until God answered my call.
What I discovered along the way has overflowed my heart and onto the 60 pages of River Diary: My Summer of Grace, Solitude and 35 Geese, the gift of joy I would like to share with you, free to subscribers and friends of my websites for immediate download.
Accompanying me on my pilgrimage were the readings of mystics, saints and wise elders from a variety of spiritual and religious traditions, including Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, May Sarton, Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and many more. But it was the river, itself, that proved to be my greatest teacher.
As usual, comments posted at this personal blog have already kick-started the commentary for the larger aging and spirituality community. Now we welcome subscribers to Fierce with Age into the conversation.
I would love to know if you are experiencing the same type of push and pull, between the prophet/activist versus the contemplative voice in your own life? I would also like to hear any thoughts, experiences The River Diary elicits in you. When you visit CarolOrsborn.com, you will see a wonderful response from one of my early readers John C. Robinson. You are encouraged to leave your comments there, as well.
I invite you to join me on this pilgrimage and appreciate your thoughtful company every step of the way.
–Carol Orsborn
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Share your thoughts utilizing the comment function that can be found at the end of this blog at: CarolOrsborn.com
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