I went to Lake Bonny Park for this field trip, and I stayed there for 60 minutes.
Prior to this field trip, I have been to Lake Bonny Park, but had a different experience. The last time I was there, the athletic department was having a kickball tournament. It was such a more peaceful experience without fifty people running around: I enjoyed it so much better by myself. I love having picnics and brought a blanket, and some food along while I read the required readings. I have never heard of Mary Oliver before and really enjoyed her poems. I really enjoyed Corrigan’s essay as well. The following lines caught my attention and changed my perspective of poetry.
“For Mary Oliver, in addition to whatever else poetry might be, it is also, even primarily, a spiritual practice.”
I have never thought of poetry this way but definitely agree that it can be a spiritual practice. I relate it to journaling, just a little more structured. While I was writing my poem at the park, I felt as if I were having a conversation with God. It is just as much as an act of worship then singing a worship song.
“But such pretending, or ignoring, does not produce spiritual fruit. It is through the tension—or rather through practicing the tension—that spiritual fruits are produced. ”
Who likes tension? Not many people like dealing with tension, or working past it. Most people just avoid it at all costs and do whatever they can to survive without it. Sadly, that “tension,” that we face is what grows us closer to God. It is that tension that God uses to make us stronger and more like him. Our triumphs of “tension,” can also be used to help others deal with their troubles as well.
My favorite poem of Mary Olivers is Six Recognitions of the Lord. I especially like the first stanza.
“I know a lot of fancy words,
I tear them from my heart and my tongue.
Then I pray."
Sadly, this is how many people pray, myself included at times. Why is it so hard for people to pray honestly to God? As if he doesn’t already know what we're thinking. People need to start being honest with the Lord and praying exactly what they are feeling and what is on their heart.
Thanks for putting so much into this activity! You're getting your effort's worth in return, I think.
ReplyDeleteWhen Oliver says that she takes fancy words out of her mouth and then prays, I can't help but think that she also means that sometimes she takes all words out of her mouth and prays without words. At least, that's what she seems to be describing in other places in that same poem. To pray simply by presenting oneself to God.