“This skill of observation and discernment, which the ancients call ‘vigilance,’ has three elements. First, turn around and meet the afflictive emotion with stillness. Without a dedicated practice this won’t be possible. Second, allow fear to be present. Third, let go of the commentary on the fear. This third element is the most challenging.”
Laird, Martin. Into the Silent Land : a Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation. NY: Oxford University Press, 2006, p. 104.
“The solution of the problem of life is life itself. Life is not attained by reasoning and analysis, but first of all by living. For until we have begun to live our prudence has no material to work on. And until we have begun to fail we have no way of working out our success.”
Merton, Thomas. Thoughts in Solitude. NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 1958. (pbk ed 1999), p. 74.
In a kind of spiritual “just do it” Merton warns those who are forever preparing, forever waiting for the right moment, forever hanging back until they think all the pieces are finally in place. The only way to be prepared, to actuate the moment, to see that the pieces are in place, is to let God worry about all that kind of stuff. Just step out in faith that God will indeed take care of both the big picture and the details.
Pathology: the Study of a Path 