Exploring Inner Space

Be still, and know that I am God — Psalm 46:10a

During Holy Week, Fr. Tom spoke about exploring our inner space — in contrast to the exploration of outer space — as the Artemis II was completing its mission around the moon that week. What is our inner space? How can we access our inner space? What do we find in our inner space?

In Orthodox theology, the word nous is often used for what many in the Christian world use for soul or heart. Given that the Greek definitions that come up for nous are "eye of the soul" or the "mind of the heart," it makes sense that one often feels a special warmth in their heart, and may even place their hand over their heart, when feeling something special that is attributable to God. A special place where one can feel the nature of God. That place where the perception, or intuition, of God's divine truth, peace and love live. It's inside of us, not visible — our inner space where God waits to connect with us.

Accessing our inner space is easy but at the same time our busy lives may interfere with our taking the time to stop, listen, and take it in. Being mindful of the moment is all it takes. This is God's time — or kairos in Greek. Sometimes it may be helpful to set aside time to sit in silence or gentle music to help connect with God. Or, you may find that keeping your hands busy with gardening, crafts, needlework, wood working, etcetera helps you to focus. On the other hand, wherever you are — work, a kid's soccer game, in liturgy, or driving in traffic — you can calm your mind for moments at a time.

God is always present. It is our minds that can wander. That is okay. God knows and understands where we are in life. He knows our pains and struggles. He also knows what brings us joy. And, interestingly, the more times we focus on Him and try to connect, the more inner peace and joy we can feel. This inner peace and joy can be ineffable — something too great and beautiful to describe in words. These indescribable moments may not happen often but the practice of connecting with God can only further your relationship with Him.

In the book Surprised by Joy, C.S. Lewis describes three experiences that were of special note to him and the feeling that was present and then says the following about them:

...it is that of an unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction. I call it Joy, which is here a technical term and must be sharply distinguished both from Happiness and from Pleasure. Joy (in my sense) has indeed one characteristic and one only, in common with them; the fact that anyone who has experienced it will want it again. — C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy

C.S. Lewis indicates that this particular joy was fleeting and not easy to come by but he was eager to find it again. I know that through my six decades I have had moments and times where God's presence, and His joy and peace, have touched me beyond words. Fleeting as they may have been. Even if one does not feel that "joy" all the time, God's peace can surround you. It is through Him and in Him, that life makes sense.

May I suggest that you follow Fr. Tom's advice to seek and explore your inner space. The still, small, silent part of you where God resides. Connect with Him and let the "eye of your soul" help you see more clearly and allow the "mind of your heart" to know Love.

May the ineffable, transcendent Love of God be with you ~

In His Love,

Dana (Paisia) 

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 Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.