Slow Down, You Move too Fast

So, you say, the world is out of control.  We're addicted to our little screens (get on a plane or a bus, and what kind of behavior do you see?); we move from one frenetic activity or set of demands to another; we can't talk to one another without entering into the dysfunctional dualism that has become part and parcel of our contemporary society.

When I've surveyed this, it's been necessary to stop and ask challenging questions.  Foremost in my mind: what can I do, within my own craft and discipline, to help heal this landscape?  

For years at the University of Notre Dame, we always began our liturgies with mantras. We incorporated this circular, meditative practice so that, as we began our prayer, we weren't simply "flipping the switch" and mechanically jumping into the Opening Hymn.  Rather, we prepared.  Repetitive choral music was the tool we used to soften and open our hearts to receive.

That aspect – of repetitive mantras that aided both in focus and calming – became the seed of a much more expansive project: The Contemplative Classroom.  Here are some of the guiding principles:

- Create a repertoire of Scripture-based mantras, easily learned and harmonized, that would appeal to both young and old age groups;

- Record the collection using an actual high school choir (hence, teenagers would become the evangelizers);

- Create a platform where the listening experience and the catechetical aids would be free, the printed music and downloadable MP3s available for a minimal expense.

Last May, a grand convergence took place in Mobile, Alabama.  Assisted by the McGill-Toolan Catholic Chamber Singers (all high schoolers), and prepared by their marvelous choral director Beth Haley, we recorded 16 new pieces of music, all mantra-based in their compositional format.  The website became operational just before the beginning of the past school year.

The idea here is to slow down.  As none other than Richard Rohr has advocated, we need to teach contemplation.  We are moving too fast; we need to slow down.  And music – especially sacred music – is a vital tool to reach down into the heart of this pulsing world, creating oases of calm and focus.  In a tangible, sonic way, it allows us to rest our spiritual compass.

We are now at the end of a school year, and a handful of schools have begun to integrate this repertoire into their daily routines.  Five minutes or so a day, creating a prayer circle, changing the lighting a bit, staying in the classroom but starting (or ending) the school day by slowing down, breathing, praying, becoming more intentional.  All building on the wisdom of the Scriptures.

If you're a teacher (or a parent, because the repertoire has no boundaries – it can be used just as effectively at home), consider adding this free resource to your toolbox.  Classrooms, Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, retreats, (and yes, for retreat centers) – it's an adaptable collection of songs.  

And if you're using this site already, please post a comment!  We're eager to hear how all our labors are being put to good use.