One Day at a time, a daily reflection

by surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com

December 4

Confucius, Thich Nhat Hanh and the Psalms

"I will sing and make music to the LORD." Psalm 27:6c

Confucius offers us some fifth century wisdom worth reclaiming in our twenty-first century, through his "five excellent practices of pilgrimage." Perhaps his practices could help us be better people of faith!

His five practices are brilliantly simple. First, Confucius encourages us to practice the arts of attention and listening. Secondly, practice the arts of renewing yourself daily. Third, he encourages meandering walking to the center of every place. Fourth practice involves reading sacred texts. He concludes his pilgrimage insights with encouragement to practice praise and singing.

Thich Nhat Hanh also encourages us to walk with gratitude. Gratitude reminds us how wonderful life is. He teaches young people a simple verse to practice while walking. "Oui, oui, oui," as they breathe in, and "Merci, merci, merci," as they breathe out. "Yes, yes, yes. Thanks, thanks, thanks." It helps people respond to life, to society and to the Earth in a positive way.

Walking is good for our spirits. Confucius and Thich Nhat Hanh are not alone with their encouragement to walk in gratitude and singing. Many other spiritual traditions also understand life is a journey and we are all on a sacred path. So walk tall and proud with music in your hearts.

A Navaho song calls us to, "Walk on a rainbow trail; walk on a trail of song, and all about you will be beauty. There is a way out of every dark mist, over a rainbow trail."

Walking is good for our souls and Epicurus reminds us that, "It is never too early or too late to care for the well-being of your soul." Seneca encourages us to "find a path or make one." Anaxagorus teaches us that "This life is a journey." An ancient Ilocano saying wisely reminds us to go slowly if we are going a long way.

And if we are physically unable to walk, then let your fingers do the walking with resources such as a finger labyrinth. Or watch other walkers and let their movements become part of your meditation.

Many of us who are Christians have much to learn from other spiritual traditions. We will walk life better, because we’ve cared enough to learn from other faiths in an attitude of respect.

I need more singing in my own life. And I need to praise God more frequently. Confucius has been a great blessing for me today.

How are your spiritual practices? Are they as excellent as the ones suggested by Confucius?

Prayer: God, bless us with these five practices of spiritual pilgrimage that Confucius encouraged. Amen.