The Three movements !

I noticed a web in our courtyard this morning and I decided to take time to watch the spider's movements. But my intention got disturbed by a short spell of rain. 

After the rain the web looked even more elegant with water drops making the strands more impressive to look at. 

The three movements I noticed in the spider were the following:

1. Centering 

It stayed in the centre of the web more time than it did anything else. If it moved it returned to the centre shortly thereafter. It remained still and restful while at the centre of the web.

2. Working

It moved from the centre to the edge and created new strands of web to reach the edge from the centre. It had a plan. It weaved the web both at the centre and and edge alternately, a clever way to keep the tension and shape in tact. 

3. Resting

After the movement between the centre and the edge, there were short spells it rested with its body in a crawled up position. 

During the half an hour I was able to watch these movements I got a glimpse of the rhythm of life that a spider follows. 

It makes its home in the centre of the web and this centering process is to preserve its wellness. To return to our centre would mean to experience interiority, free from the pressure and preoccupations associated with existential realities. It is one way of letting go in order to stay quiet to listen to the voice from within, experience serenity where God makes His presence known to us. 

Working is an activity of involvement and engagement purposefully and proactively. Any work we do, when done with a design and plan would make the outcome a mission. 

Resting is also an activity consisting of personal debriefing and recovery. Every form of work consumes us in one way or another. Therefore rest transcends sleeping or doing leisurely activities or engaging in hobbies. Resting is an exercise of staying content with what has been done or was possible and preparing to take the next step volitionally. Work is not for self-promotion but doing good to others. 

I found this exercise of reflecting on what a spider does during weaving its web, a meditative experience. The spider did all of its work silently but decisively. The way to work is not by inviting attention, in the hope of getting publicity and appreciation, but quietly and hidden from too much of visibility. Work looses its charm and grace when we intently do it hoping for recognition and adulation. 

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)