Way of Practical Action
Adapted from The Spiritual Way by Philip Sheldrake
The Practical Action promotes everyday life in a variety of ways as the principal context for the spiritual journey and for our quest for authenticity. In this type of spirituality, we do not retreat from everyday existence and mundane concerns in order to reach spiritual truth or enlightenment. What is needed for spiritual growth is within our reach in our everyday lives. For, in the words of Jesus, “the kingdom of God is among you” (Luke 17:21). Because it emphasizes finding God in the midst of ordinary existence, this type of spirituality is in principle accessible to everyone and not simply to monastic or clerical elites or other special groups dedicated exclusively to the discipline of an ascetical life or with the opportunity for extensive contemplative practice. This third type of spirituality seeks spiritual growth through the medium of our ordinary experience, commitments, and activity—not least in service of our fellow human beings.
14 Days on the Way of Practical Action
Day 1
“How good it is to center down!”
Psalm 46
Matthew 26:36-45
As you begin this time of retreat start with action which will remain with you as you center down. Start a seed, or several, today. If you have the means you may want to start some to share with you neighbors. If you don’t have seeds handy you can cut up a fresh vegetable and pull a few out. You could also ask your neighbor if they would put a few seeds outside your or their door if you don’t have any fresh produce. If you don’t have potting soil and supplies, work out a way to get a mug of dirt from outside. Break up any clods in the dirt, and sew the seeds about twice as deep as they are wide. Pat the soil down to snug in the seeds and make sure the soil is moist. Put the seeds in some sun if you can and watch it begin in the coming days. You are a participant in a new birth, you and this companion for the retreat are centered down, beginning.
Day 2
“To sit quietly and see one’s self pass by!”
Luke 10:38-42
1 Kings 19:9-12
Consider your embodied self. You are held by your body and yet you are able to leave it and imagine yourself passing by. Below are a simple stretching exercise and an introductory Yoga exercise for you to use. Certainly more are available online to suit your particular ability. Choose one and spend some time stretching and moving your body.
Day 3
“The streets of our minds seethe with endless traffic;”
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
Luke 14:25
Check on your plant, see that the soil is moist, but not soaked. Only add a little bit of water every few days so the seeds don’t become waterlogged. Take a walk in a new direction. If you feel safe, walk to a street you don’t know or a path you haven’t followed. Experience a new place, and see yourself in it. Notice the traffic on the walk, maybe its people, maybe cars, maybe it is wildlife, or maybe it is something entirely different. Notice yourself in it, and notice what you sense in that place. As you leave that place to walk back home, leave the traffic of your mind in that place and walk without distraction.
Day 4
“Our spirits resound with clashing, with noisy silences,”
Psalm 142
Matthew 4: 1-11
Call or video chat with a loved one or old friend. Hear how they are, and share honestly how you are. Don’t call because you are compelled by this exercise, but because you wish to give that time to them. Allow yourself the time to connect with them fully; give an hour to a ten-minute conversation. Share yourself with them, and allow them to share with you.
Day 5
“While something deep within hungers and thirsts for the still moment and the resting lull.”
Psalm 143
Matthew 11:25-30
“Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Notice today where it is in your body that you are carrying your tensions and burdens. In a relaxed seat or with your back flat on the floor, try a full body scan. Begin with your toes: feel the tension you carry, tighten your toes to exaggerate the tension, and then release that tension on an exhale. Work slowly up your body, paying special attention to places that are tight or tender. Feel your hunger for stillness; give way to the support that the earth offers you. Come unto the Source of stillness.
Check on your plant, see that the soil is moist, but not soaked. Only add a little bit of water every few days so the seeds don’t become waterlogged.
Day 6
“With full intensity we seek, ere thicket passes, a fresh sense of order in our living; a direction, a strong sure purpose that will structure our confusion and bring meaning in our chaos.”
Isaiah 6:8
Galatians 5:22-25
Follow this link to draw a Labyrinth. Create a handheld labyrinth today. You will be able to use this today, but there will be another chance to use it later in the retreat. Move at your own pace to create the labyrinth, it is art and contemplation just to make it. You can decorate around the edges with your own artwork, if you like. If you have materials available, you can add texture with string and tissue paper as shown in the photos below. Consider your journey, your direction. A labyrinth isn’t a maze, it is a journey. You are not lost, you a moving.
Day 7
“We look at ourselves in this waiting moment—the kinds of people we are.”
Psalm 40
Ephesians 2:4-10
Check on your plant if you haven’t already, it may have broken through the top of the soil by now. Consider how wonderful it is to watch something come to life. Using your labyrinth drawing from yesterday (go back and look if you don’t have it). Place your finger at the beginning of the journey and read the line of Thurman’s poem for today. At each turn in the journey you should stop for a few moments/minutes depending on your time and clear your mind. Imagine a blank piece of paper. Don’t leave that spot until your mind is clear. As you approach the center allow yourself to consider the quote from today more fully. Who are you in this moment?
Day 8
“The questions persist: what are we doing with our lives? —what are the motives that order our days?
Micah 6:8
1 Thessalonians 5:15-22
Consider Thurman’s words for today, “what are we doing with our lives and what motivates you?” If only for a little while, and only if it is safe for you to do so, elevate your heart rate. Walk up and down the stairs of your apartment, run around the block, do your normal workout routine, do some yoga or calisthenics in your room. Feel the movement of blood in your body, the pressure in your veins. Take breaks and be kind to yourself in this exercise.
Day 9
“What is the end of our doings? Where are we trying to go? Where do we put the emphasis and where are our values focused? For what end do we make sacrifices?”
Proverbs 3:3-8
Romans 8:24-28
Consider Thurman’s words for today. Call and advocate with your local, state, or federal representative. Tell them about the issue you are passionate about and how they can improve the lives of the people in their district.
Day 10
“Where is my treasure and what do I love most in life?”
Proverbs 2:1-8
Matthew 6:31-34
Write a letter to your parents, even if they have died. Consider what you treasure in them, let them know.
Day 11
“What do I hate most in life and to what am I true? Over and over the questions beat upon the waiting moment.”
Jonah 4
Romans 12:9-13
As you listen to this Ted talk, consider the stories of hate in life. Consider where your hate can be found and allow that story to come into focus. Is there someone in your life that you hate? How do you stay true to yourself and hate them? Consider what it would look like to reconcile with them if both of you were genuine and clear in your communication. What would that look like for you?
Day 12
“As we listen, floating up through all of the jangling echoes of our turbulence, there is a sound of another kind— A deeper note which only the stillness of the heart makes clear.”
Psalm 131
James 1:19-25
Relax with a hot bath or shower. Settle into the flow or stillness of the water as you listen to the patter of the droplets, or perhaps your own heartbeat. Allow yourself to give your brain a break and just be present with the sensations, and with anything that arises in your heart.
Day 13
“It moves directly to the core of our being. Our questions are answered, Our spirits refreshed, and we move back into the traffic of our daily round With the peace of the Eternal in our step.”
Psalm 51:10-17
Philippians 4:4-9
Choose an everyday task, such as folding laundry or washing dishes, to infuse with love. Resolve to take your time folding or scrubbing or organizing. Consider your action a prayer. As Mother Teresa said, though we cannot always do great things, “we can do small things with great love.” If you are sharing your space with loved ones, you may offer this action with intention for them. Allow the “daily traffic” of your chores to be permeated with gentleness.
Day 14
“How good it is to center down!”
Psalm 23
John 15:1-11
Center down today around the table. Choose a meal or snack-time to enjoy, whether you are alone or in the presence of others. Set the table with care. Put your phone away and enjoy the goodness it is to nourish your body and soul at a relaxed pace. Celebrate how God has nourished you over the course of the retreat. Celebrate the goodness that God rejoices to give you.
Celebrate, as well, the growth of the seed you planted at the beginning of the retreat. Take time to reflect on its growth. Know that you, like the seed, are only beginning to embody all the blessings that this time of retreat has and will bestow.