<p><em>Reverend Raniero Hoffman, OSB Cam.</em></p>
<p>“I’m bored!” is a frequent exasperation heard today from kids, young adults and adults of all ages. It seems that unless our mind and our body are actively engaged –DO, DO, DO – then life becomes empty, meaningless, or boring.<br /><br />Many first time retreatants to the Hermitage are excited to come for a retreat. They arrive excited. They get to their rooms, are delighted by the magnificent views of the Big Sur and the ocean, they unpack, and then... “Oh my god, what do I do now?” Panic, fear, and boredom confront them. And then comes the subtle invitation to BE in silence, to rest in silence. A journey begins that captures both the primal and the ultimate essence of life.<br /><br />Hidden in the experience of “I’m bored!” is the awakening of being with one’s self, discovering not only the darkness of one’s self but also, and more importantly, the unique being and mystery of one’s self. Yes, we do get bored with all the exteriors of self and life and activity.  What awaits us is the opening of the depths of our being, where our individual being and the Divine Being are one. Oneness that is within us. Oneness that is waiting to be discovered, enjoyed and surrendered into again and again and again because the Oneness is endless, infinite.  The truth is there is no boredom in this Oneness.<br /><br />Discovering this Oneness within us is the contemplative dimension of every human being. This Oneness is present within every human being. This is the witness of the monk, a witness that is meant to awaken the rich, unique invitation /reality hidden beneath the exasperation of “I’m bored!”  <br /><br />I invite you to take some time, at first a short period of time, to be silent with yourself. Believe that God is deep, deep within you, one with you and you with God. Rest there, but believe it is true, because it is. Give the silence and give God a chance but believe God is there within you. Boredom will yield to the beyond, to the mystery, to the more.<br /><br />Know that you are welcome to come to the Hermitage to be nurtured on this journey. I realize the distance and the travel time can be a difficulty for some reading this. If this is so, then find a quiet place in your home, in your area, or at a retreat center nearby. And in that quiet, discover the quiet within you that defies the boredom that all your doing and activity have brought upon you.<br /><br />May God’s peace be with you.</p>
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