While it has taken me a bit of time to get around to these books (I have to admit I have been stubborn about reading Harry), it does seem appropriate to be reading them now. Though I am only just beginning the Harry series, I know enough about it to know that it is about the struggle for good amidst evil, among other things. Eat, Pray, Love is all about learning to live from love, not fear.
These themes are important ones as I approach the making of my first vows in community. This is what the journey of the monastic is all about. Benedict tells us in the Prologue of the Rule about choosing a life of good:
"Seeking workers in a multitude of people, God calls out and says again: 'Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days?' If you hear this and your answer is 'I do,' God then directs these words to you: If you desire true and eternal life, 'keep your tongue free from vicious talk and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim.'"
And about choosing love:
"See how God's love shows us the way of life."
J.K. Rowling says, speaking through Dumbledore:
"Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign... to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever. It is in your very skin. Quirrell, full of hatred, greed, and ambition, sharing his soul with Voldemort, could not touch you for this reason. It was agony to touch a person marked by something so good."
And Elizabeth Gilbert says, speaking in dialogue with her friend Richard:
E: “All I seem to do is argue with myself when I try to meditate.”
R: “That’s just your ego, trying to make sure it stays in charge. This is what your ego does. It keeps you feeling separate, keeps you with a sense of duality, tries to convince you that you’re flawed and broke and alone instead of whole.”
E: “But how does that serve me?”
R: “It doesn’t serve you. Your ego’s job isn’t to serve you. Its only job is to keep itself in power. And right now, your ego’s scared to death cuz it’s about to get downsized. You keep up this spiritual path, baby, and that bad boy’s days are numbered. Pretty soon your ego will be out of work, and your heart’ll be making all the decisions. So your ego’s fighting for its life, playing with your mind, trying to assert its authority, trying to keep you cornered off in a holding pen away from the rest of the universe. Don’t listen to it.”
E: “How do you not listen to it?”
R: “Ever try to take a toy away from a toddler? They don’t like that, do they? They start kicking and screaming. Best way to take a toy away from a toddler is distract the kid, give him something else to play with. Divert his attention. Instead of trying to forcefully take thoughts out of your mind, give your mind something better to play with. Something healthier.”
E: “Like what?”
R: “Like love, Groceries. Like pure divine love.”
Both of these books have been wonderful companions the past few weeks, and a special thanks to my wise friend who encouraged me to read them both!
Let us walk in the holy presence.
