The ancient Jewish people were taken into exile to Babylon. The theme of exile and return is a prominent one in Jewish writing. The experience of exile if often close to the surface of Jewish longings for a better future. The most commonly expressed feeling of exiles is that "here" (the place of exile) is not where they want to be. They long to return home.
The ancient Celtic mystics, too, had a profound sense of exile. They often chose an exile peregrinatio pro amore Christi—wandering for the love of Christ. Yet, still they longed for the return home. The journey back was to the place of resurrection.
The experience of exile is existentially painful. "I don't belong here."
The exile may be quite literally from one's home. On one internet group I belong to (about kilt wearing) my signature reads, "Andy: exile from Northumberland." It is lighthearted, but holds a deeper truth. The place of exile never feels quite right.
Yet, we need not be bound by a literal understanding of exile. Anywhere that we have the sense of "not-rightness" can become our place of exile. Listening to friends and colleagues, work often becomes a place of exile. Monday to Friday holds a certain "not-rightness." Friday evening is the homecoming. Watch people's facebook statuses as the weekend draws near.
Perhaps the most telling place of exile is life in the world itself. "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through" went the old song. Sometimes (for some folk most of the time) life has the quality of "not-rightness" about it. There is a shadowy memory of being from somewhere better, even when the place cannot be remembered with any assurance. Some religious traditions (and Plato among the philosophers) respond, "Of course! That's because you have come from somewhere else. The shadowy memory you have is a true one." Early Christian theologians expressed the longing of return, "To be at home in the body is to be away from God. To leave the body is to return to God." In exile, there is always the agony of longing.
The prophet of exile, Jeremiah, expressed a different perspective. He announced to the exiles::
This may be easier said that done. As with all things it is most likely accomplished with small steps: a daily mindfulness. Finding yourself at peace in the present moment. Could you enjoy exile? Will the longing for home ever go away? Possibly not, but the exile might be made more bearable.
+Ab. Andy
The ancient Celtic mystics, too, had a profound sense of exile. They often chose an exile peregrinatio pro amore Christi—wandering for the love of Christ. Yet, still they longed for the return home. The journey back was to the place of resurrection.
The experience of exile is existentially painful. "I don't belong here."
The exile may be quite literally from one's home. On one internet group I belong to (about kilt wearing) my signature reads, "Andy: exile from Northumberland." It is lighthearted, but holds a deeper truth. The place of exile never feels quite right.
 |
| http://weathersavvy.com/Q-Climate_ Deserts1.html |
Perhaps the most telling place of exile is life in the world itself. "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through" went the old song. Sometimes (for some folk most of the time) life has the quality of "not-rightness" about it. There is a shadowy memory of being from somewhere better, even when the place cannot be remembered with any assurance. Some religious traditions (and Plato among the philosophers) respond, "Of course! That's because you have come from somewhere else. The shadowy memory you have is a true one." Early Christian theologians expressed the longing of return, "To be at home in the body is to be away from God. To leave the body is to return to God." In exile, there is always the agony of longing.
The prophet of exile, Jeremiah, expressed a different perspective. He announced to the exiles::
Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to God for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.The prophet urged a making peace with the state of exile. Make the place of exile home. Learn to love it. Be at rest wherever you find yourself. This would be to find peace in the exile of the workplace. It would be to learn to be content in and with your body.
This may be easier said that done. As with all things it is most likely accomplished with small steps: a daily mindfulness. Finding yourself at peace in the present moment. Could you enjoy exile? Will the longing for home ever go away? Possibly not, but the exile might be made more bearable.
+Ab. Andy