HERMIT SPEED
I am a huge fan of the mystic, Julian of Norwich!
For my 80th post, I want to share about this very amazing English hermit who lived, met with people, prayed, and wrote books in the 14th century in troubled times like ours. Specifically, what I want to share is a 3-part video series I discovered deep in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The series is called, "Wisdom In Times of Self-Isolation", recordings by the contemplative scholar Stefan Reynolds (I think he's endearing!). So whether you live alone or not, may these recordings be an occasion to reflect on wisdom gained, shared, and maybe sought still in these times of Covid isolation.
Next. We are knocking-on-the-door of re-opening post-Covid. I feel both sad and nervous at the prospect of losing the "safety" of Covid lock-down. To be sure it is a good thing this pandemic is coming to an end. Still, I will miss these times of collective quiet and solitude. I loved how the whole world slowed down to hermit speed for a few precious months.
So what is hermit speed? I think it can be found in the recordings ,"Wisdom in Times of Self-Isolation". I shared these recordings in a previous blog post but it got deleted in error. I had trouble finding the recordings again. But now I have. God's timing.
Why God's timing? Because with the passage of some time, I am now able to understand and share more deeply and clearly on the connections I found between Julian of Norwich's life and times, and our/my own. Maybe my sharing will spark something helpful and healing for you or someone you know and love? I hope so. That's my prayer for this blog.
Next. Some connections I found between Julian's and my times:
Julian lived in a little apartment attached to a church. I live in a little apartment attached to Scarborough Citadel Community Church.
Julian suffered through a long illness in which she had visions. I suffered through a long trauma in which I wrote over 100 poems during the darkest times of that trauma.
Julian wrote a short text about her revelations. I wrote a short fairytale about mine.
Julian wrote a long text where she attempted to give meaning to her revelations. My long text is taking the form of a blog in order to do the same.
More connections:
Julian and I both watched mass and church services, and met with people through windows (zoom windows & Covid).
Julian and I both had food delivered (me, pizza and Swiss Chalet!)
Julian had a cat. I have a cat.
Julian was a writer. I am a writer.
Julian lived through a plague.
Here are the Julian of Norwich "Wisdom in Times of Self-Isolation" recordings: Enjoy them again, or for the first time!
Talk 1
p.s.
I love this image
