Buttoning and Unbuttoning (1/2) The "smallness" of life can sometimes feel heavier than its great tragedies. A life needn't be "full" of tragedy. If it's "empty" of meaning, that emptiness can eventually become a crushing weight bearing down on the one living that life. The Conversation Elements From The Conversation In contemplative spirituality, the "buttoning and unbuttoning" is resolved not by ignoring or sidestepping the task, but by changing the nature of the button. Instead of an obstacle to be overcome so that life can "begin," the act becomes life itself. Music ABBA's song describes a life where the "buttons" are done perfectly, but the person inside is sleepwalking. Lord, We are not blind to the burden of the repetitive . The same plate, the same path to work, the same buttons, the same masks we put on. Please help us with the discouragement for “the next thing.” We know deep down that a task that is ...
The Restory is a Retreat Centre nestled against Tafelkop, a singular mountain head near Wakkerstroom, South Africa. Here we live a simple life as contemplatives. It is a place of re-connection: with ourselves, people, Nature, Silence and Creativity. Our retreats are aimed at this. Our conversations, writing and art centre around the univocity of life. We need a place that reminds us that we are all one. The Restory hopes to be such a place and space.