REFLECTION: ‘I love you. One simple phrase that is being uttered many times all over the planet as you read this. I love you awakens old dreams, and brings new worlds into being. So much of our possibility as human beings is connected to our desire for intimacy – for the love of another, for connection and belonging, for unity and at-oneness, without defence or fear, without shame or anxiety. Intimacy is vital for our well-being. But intimacy can be demanding. The gifts of intimacy can also be its uncomfortable challenges. Are we up for vulnerability, for letting go of control, for letting the other be the other? The practice of Embrace Intimacy is about (re)discovering the vitality of intimacy for ourselves – intimacy with another human being, intimacy with the earth, and intimacy with God – and allowing that intimacy to enable us to bring good to the world…’
PRACTICE: ‘Begin this practice by reflecting on your own recent experiences of intimacy. To what extent have these been characterized by attention, vulnerability, honesty and tenderness? If you are without a partner your yearning for intimacy must not be ignored. And if you do have a partner true intimacy needs to a reciprocal thing, being nurtured within a wider environment of commitment and devotion. There is currently a great openness, both I think for better and for worse, around sex and sexuality. Within that culture of openness we need, for a better world, to see a renewed emphasis on the nurturing of true intimacy and tenderness. It starts of course, with each one of us. So Embrace Intimacy!’
©Ian Adams ‘Running Over Rocks: spiritual practices to transform tough times’ (Canterbury Press)
Look out for short daily posts around the week’s theme on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll be doing the practices wherever we are, and we’ll look forward to hearing how you get on – do let us know!
Ian’s new collection of poems Unfurling is out now in paperback and e-format on Canterbury Press, also via your local bookshop, and all usual online sources including Book Depository with free delivery world-wide.