Thomas Merton, an American monk and writer once remarked: “When we are alone on a starlit night, when by chance we see the migrating birds in autumn descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see children in a moment when they are really children, when we know love in our own hearts; or when, like the Japanese poet, Basho, we hear an old frog land in a quiet pond with a solitary splash - at such times the awakening, the turning inside out of all values, the "newness," the emptiness and the purity of vision that make themselves evident, all these provide a glimpse of the cosmic dance.” Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
A cosmic experience is regarded as a state of consciousness that can involve a special sense of connection to the universe. Its dance might be said to include everything that is seen or occurs within that particular frame of mind. A solitary moment in life is considered as a special juncture in time that is spent alone and without companionship. It may primarily be used as a period of reflection, perhaps to regulate tensions and emotions, to plan ahead or develop forward-thinking, it may include finding peace and calmness within oneself in a turbulent and sometimes frustrating world, or ultimately, personal communication with God,. Everyone needs a time of personal need, it is the statutory and necessary coping mechanism of life.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”
There is a life necessity for solitary moments. The Bible informs us of several instances where Jesus required similar times alone for personal prayer with God and reflection. These took place in many different environments including mountains, gardens, the wilderness etc. Unless solitary moments are utilized to their best effect, it is often difficult to obtain clear thought and vision. Mark 1:12-13 reminds us: “The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.”
A frog is defined as a tailess amphibian with a short squat body, moist smooth skin, and very long hind legs used for the purpose of leaping. They habitat in a variety of environments including ponds, lakes, gardens, meadows and woodlands. Outside of the mating season, or where food is considered plentiful, they are considered solitary creatures who don’t usually engage in social gatherings. For some, they are considered unwelcome pests, but infact contribute enormously toward the general benefit of the local environment.
Frogs are natural predators of many garden irritants, including slugs, snails, mosquitoes, flies, ants, caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers. A single adult frog can eat up to 10,000 insects per season. They may not appear attractive to some, but are considered cute by many. Revelation 16:13 reminds us: “And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs.” However, it should be borne in mind that sometimes solitary times can make one vulnerable to external predators. Evil takes every opportunity in life to evoke its temptations.
Awareness and vigilance is required to rebuff its deceptive foothold. Matthew 4:1-11 reminds us: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.”
It has been said that repetition is “The mother of all learning.” However, repetition can have both good and bad implications. A healthy and regular routine can provide good structure and well-being to life. It provides a solid and stable foundation to support a firm footing. This is portrayed in the examples quoted in the Bible of Jesus Christ. If we have the strength to continually defy temptation and seek goodness, then we are on the right pathway to the true benefits of a better life. Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist once remarked: “With just one polka dot, nothing can be achieved. In the universe, there is the sun, the moon, the earth, and hundreds of millions of stars. All of us live in the unfathomable mystery and infinitude of the universe. Pursuing 'philosophy of the universe' through art under such circumstances has led me to what I call 'stereotypical repetition.'” Conversely, a bad repetitive lifestyle can lead to a detrimental opposing result. One may more easily succumb to unnecessary temptation or evil thoughts. New thinking may never be encompassed because one becomes staid in their ways. Positive focus may be lost and good perception may be lacking. Adventures or new experiences may never emerge as they are considered contrary to a normal lifestyle.
There are always two sides to every story and an element of conviction may be obtained through repetitiveness. It invites personal growth, a better understanding which may lead to the divine quality of repentance to obtain salvation. John 3:19-21 reminds us: “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
Solitary moments may invite productive periods of reflection and learning. Self-analysis may become an important element in these particular spheres. Accomplishments and challenges being faced may be reflected upon and strategies formed as to the best way of coping and moving forward. It may be a time of self-discovery where one learns more about themselves or their personal interests, but above all it may be a quiet and unique time with God. Philippians 4:8-9 reminds us: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Amen.
