X-Ray Spirituality*

Someone mentioned that in an x-ray, everything not essential disappears, like clothes and muscles.  The essential stuff is highlighted or literally, lights up.  This is a great metaphor for the contemplative practice of silence and solitude.  Silence does not mean no noise, and solitude does not mean you are alone.  It is more an interior attitude that comes with a method and practice.  Anyhow, in the deepening meditation the essential you shows up, is revealed to you.  You get to know yourself better, and see what might need some attention just like in an x-ray.  Think of it as shining a light on you.  Doesn't Elton John have a song, "Shine the Light on Me?"  I digress.  Anyhow, I try for some x-ray prayer time each day to see what is gong on inside me beneath the busy mind that is quite unessential at that moment of prayer.