For the last four and half months, I have been immersed in a teaching in which we have explored the mystery of consciousness. It has been profound, beautiful, challenging, and transformational.

Last week, a part of me was questioning the mystery of life itself. I was questioning life, death, suffering, and being in a body—so many unknowns.

One morning, as I was meditating, I received a message to pray and meditate at the chapel of the Sisters of St. Joseph, where the nuns live and operate the hospice.

Nine years ago, I had taught their staff an eight-week mindfulness program but hadn't returned since and had never been in the chapel before. It was a mystery why I was meant to go, but I listened to the inner guidance.

I called them up and asked if the chapel was open for the public to come and sit and pray. The answer was yes. So, I got in the car, and away I went.

When I arrived, the woman at reception told me to have a seat and that someone would accompany me into the chapel.  As I waited, I felt such peace and tranquility. You could feel the sacredness and purity in their space.  

A few minutes later, I noticed a woman approaching the chapel using her walker. Sister Theresa was to accompany me into the chapel and pray with me.    

When we entered the chapel, I told the sister that I was not Catholic but had felt called to come here today. She nodded and said, "That's okay."

The room was filled with a palpable presence. All the years of prayer and devotion could be felt. It was exquisite, as if you could reach out and touch it.

I was told in advance that I only had thirty minutes because they had an event happening. So, the sister and I sat across the room from each other and closed our eyes.   

Relaxing and going inward felt effortless. I began with prayer and then naturally shifted to meditation.

Then I heard someone come in and rearrange the chairs. I opened my eyes and was surprised to learn our thirty minutes had passed. I could've stayed there for hours, but I was grateful for the time I had.  

Sister Theresa and I got up from our chairs, and as we were leaving the chapel, she looked me in the eyes and said," You really know how to pray." I grinned. She said, "Really. You didn't move an inch. You know how to connect to the Lord."

When I heard her praise, a feeling of delight rose up in my body. I felt like a young schoolgirl who had just received an A+ from her teacher.  

Sister Theresa walked me to the door. We said our goodbyes. What a charming, beautiful interaction.

Why was I called to go there? I don't know.

But I was, and I listened. It's part of the mystery, and it was a gift. This experience touched my soul.

I feel touched that I had followed this inner pull to go to the chapel and pray. I didn't know why, but I listened.

I was greeted with openness, and how special it was for Sister Theresa and I, who had never met each other, to sit and pray together. I didn't feel like we were strangers. 

There was no concern about our beliefs, religion, or anything other than our shared desire to sit and go inward.  That, for me, was a soul-to-soul connection. Precious and pure. 

I am writing this the day after. The part of me that had questions has quieted. My mind is still and spacious. The message I am receiving today is Choose Love.  
 
The more I dive into the mystery of consciousness, the more comfortable I become.

It feels like everything and nothing, empty and full. There are many paradoxes and one Truth.

When I can relax into my experience, the sense of time dissolves, and the need to know vanishes.

There is an openness to trust and listen, and there is no need to know the details.

There is nowhere to get to. It is here in the timelessness of the now.

Everything is a mystery.

The mystery has been discussed in different religions, by mystics, and spiritual traditions for thousands of years.

There are many paths to the mountaintop.

There is one love, one consciousness that unites us all.

The Sisters of St. Joseph’s website says,

"United by a passion for Community, Justice, and Love," and I couldn't agree more.

With love and light,

Diane