On World Environment Day, I give a short guided meditation on connecting with the meadows and streams of our minds. Using our imagination and scripture, we focus on turning from our inner critic to our inner observer. It encourages a deep connection between all living things. Share your voice on social media for the protection of our environment using #ForNature. Continue reading “Our inner observer”
Author: Gavin Thomas Murphy
I’m Gavin, I’m 37, I have a psychology and spirituality background, I have strong faith and I love the outdoors!
Descending Djouce
Before the descent the ascent! It was a rainy and blustery day as a small team of us, including the married couple in the painting, climbed Djouce mountain in County Wicklow. I used to climb the mountain with my family as a child, and my dad often squeezed our friends into the car and boot! Years after his passing, we trekked the same terrain and lifted our knees as the cosmos tried to make up its mind on the weather. We pushed on – some leading, some accompanying – until we reached the jagged rock at the summit. We made it! Continue reading “Descending Djouce”
Mellow flame of love
I respond to a decrease in overall satisfaction with life during the pandemic and a challenge from a listener. I draw from Ignatian Spirituality to explore the mellow flame of love that sustains us through the ups and downs of life. While acknowledging the natural highs and lows, I look to an Ignatian rule of vigilance after experiencing a consolation without a preceding cause. Continue reading “Mellow flame of love”
When the walls close in
A three-minute guided meditation (and a one-minute introduction) on facing one of the biggest challenges in the spiritual life. Acedia, also known as the ‘noonday demon’, is a kind of listlessness or restlessness that leaves us without a sense of divine presence. It was experienced by the desert mothers and fathers who were tempted to turn to distractions during their normal routine. We can also experience acedia during the Covid-19 crisis when we are restricted in our movements around work and leisure. Continue reading “When the walls close in”
Contemplative nothingness
I imagined being in a quiet land outside of the city and suburbs during the Covid-19 crisis. Jesus and I had our hands on each other’s shoulders while we looked at a statue in front of us. I heard a wind come and go, I smelled and tasted the earth, I tried to be present. As I delved deeper, I saw a gentle expression on the statue’s face. I saw a blanket of cloud and I got in touch with the movement of the wind. Continue reading “Contemplative nothingness”
‘Bursting Out in Praise’ triangle
I was invited by Jesuit.ie to write a story about my website. The article was called ‘New Ignatian-inspired website’ because I was inspired by Ignatian Spirituality (‘finding God in all things’) to write on contemplative wisdom for wellbeing. Here I introduce my ‘Bursting Out in Praise’ triangle – a dynamic process of transcendence even during the pain or suffering of the Covid-19 pandemic. I also sing my own personal prayer called ‘The Magnificent Magnificat of Mary’, joining with Mary in saying ‘Yes’ to God. Continue reading “‘Bursting Out in Praise’ triangle”
Contemplative joy
This week I offer a three minute meditation (with a one minute introduction) on the theme of praise. Drawn from my blogpost ‘Bursting Out in Praise’, there is an initial focus on mindful breathing followed by the repetition of a word of praise that arises from our hearts. It aims to encourage us to develop a habit of praise that seeps into our souls. Continue reading “Contemplative joy”
