From my journal | Tuesday, May 29, 2007 | Iona, Scotland Begin by greeting the Beloved. Follow your easy breath, in and out. Survey your whole body, beginning with the toes and ending with the nose. Release all tension. Sink into the Presence of God. Gently breathe, giving your thoughts the freedom to come and go. Like snowflakes, you may notice them but you can’t hold them. Simply let them fall.

If the Devil brings ugly things, lusts, lists, or pride into your mind, you can find freedom by telling him that you know what he’s up to. Smile at him. Laugh at him in the confidence that greater is He who is in you than all the hosts of the Devil. The Devil cannot abide when you jeer him.

Return to the Beloved. Open your heart to love. Become drunk with love. The demons are terrified when they encounter a soul aflame with love. Love will tame the wild beasts—your mind, your commands, your will cannot.

Wait, wait, wait until you reach the silence which is the voice of the Beloved, then on the inhale speak inwardly, “Jesus,” and on the exhale, “Mercy.” Repeat, following your uncontrolled breath as you rest in God. When the restfulness begins to come to a natural conclusion—or you sense the need to do so—simply bring your soul to an awareness of its body again. Thank the Beloved Trinity and re-enter the day.