Matthew Fox says that spirituality can’t be taught in an institution that is knowledge-based. Only in a wisdom-based institution does spirituality have a chance of flourishing. Knowledge is about the head. Wisdom is about embodiment.

Here are a few conduits to the sacred that mystics ancient and contemporary find compelling and operative:

• Taste – “taste and see that God is good”; “savor the goodness of life”…
• Longing – the grace of God beckoning us toward something more whole…
• Community – Rabbi Abraham Heschel, after walking with Dr. King, asked by his young daughter what it was like. He responded, “My feet were praying.”
• Grief – “thin places” between the sacred/secular where the presence of God is palpable.
• Joy – ecstasy
• Silence – in our world of noise pollution, silence allows a journey to recesses of the soul
• Nature – God’s beautiful and awe-inspiring creation
• more…

It was a rainy winter day and cabin fever was grabbing at me. Before long I found myself in the Columbia Gorge on one of our many very accessible trails. Covered head to toe with water-proof gear I approached a noise that sounded like a runaway jet engine. Waterfall, of course. And I had it to myself. More sane seekers were home sitting next to the fireplace with noses in a book.

The beauty of this waterfall, at this moment, for many may have been at the top where water spilled gracefully and somewhat silently over the edge. For me, however, it was the power of that stream of water slamming into the rocks below. The air was filled with spray, the wind it created driving water into everything and at all angles. “But the one who will come after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” said John the Baptizer. I stayed at the base of the waterfall for a few short minutes. It was a mystical experience to be sure.

What conduits work best for you in your pursuit of the Spirit of God? Share a story.

There several ways to weigh in on this:

• Sign in and comment here
• Join Parkrose UMC facebook as a fan and join the conversation there.

Peace – Bill