In Secret

(Found here)

“There should be at least a room, or some corner where no one will find you and disturb you or notice you. You should be able to untether yourself from the world and set yourself free, loosing all the fine strings and strands of tension that bind you, by sight, by sound, by thought, to the presence of other men. ‘But thou, when thou shalt pray, enter into thy chamber, and having shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret. . . .’ Once you have found such a place, be content with it, and do not be disturbed if a good reason takes you out of it. Love it, and return to it as soon as you can, and do not be quick to change it for another.”

. . .

“Learn how to meditate on paper. Drawing and writing are forms of meditation.
Learn how to contemplate works of art.
Learn how to pray in the streets or in the country.
Know how to meditate not only when you have a book in your hand
But when you are waiting for a bus or riding in the train.
Above all, enter into the liturgy and make the liturgical
cycle a part of your life—
Let its rhythm work its way into your body and soul.”

. . .

“Let there be a place somewhere in which you can breathe naturally, quietly, and not have to take your breath in continuous short gasps. A place where your mind can be idle, and forget its concerns, descend into silence, and worship the Father in secret.”

~Thomas Merton (from A Book of Hours)