Hildegard refers to the voice in her visions as the living light, God. How beautifully vivid her writings are that nature comes alive within them.
Excerpt from Hildegard to Henry, Bishop of Liège Letter 37R 1148-53, Hildegard of Bingen Selected Writings, p. 67.
“The living light says: the path of the scriptures lead directly to the high mountain where the flowers grow and the costly aromatic herbs; where a pleasant wind blows, bringing forth their powerful fragrance; where the roses and lilies reveal their shining faces.
But because of the shadows of dark living air, that mountain did not appear until the Son of the most High had enlightened the world. On that day, the sun rose from the dawn, illuminating this world so that all the people could see its aromatic herbs. That day was very beautiful, and sweet tidings came forth.”
Along with the scriptures, we are grateful for Jesus “enlightening” the world. We can join in that rejoicing by spending time in the paradise of nature that God has gifted us with.
Yes, there can be harsh winds, strong waves, and torrents of rain. But there can also be light April showers, dew drops on grass, and the warmth of the sun on our skin. Nature can be cherished outdoors. The writings of St. Hildegard remind us that the spiritual and natural worlds go hand in hand.
Meditating on St. Hildegard’s words can create a wonderful afternoon of prayer and insight.
Spiritual time in prayer outdoors is very beneficial, but there are also health benefits to going outside. We can enjoy the living light.
Richard Z. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D. – of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, calls the month of May, the Sunshine Month. He says light has a healing power, both that from nature and from advanced medical science. There are instances when light therapy can be used instead of drugs or surgery.
He talks about “Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Near-Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy. PBMT is a safe, non-invasive treatment using red or NIR light (600-1100 nm) to activate mitochondria, reduce oxidative stress, and stimulate cellular repair.”
But he says that “natural sunlight delivers many of the same mitochondrial benefits.”
It’s anti-aging as it activates stem cells and DNA repair, and helps with sleep. Light supports memory and mood. It promotes circulation. And improves glucose metabolism. It helps with healing wounds, and encourages tissue repair. It can increase your energy levels. And surprisingly, light is good for your skin, even stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles and scars. Also, it might benefit some eye ailments. And as always, speak with your doctor about your specific concerns.
Dr. Cheng recommends:
10-30 minutes of morning sun (face and arms) for circadian rhythm (helps with sleep).
5-30 minutes of solar noon sun for vitamin D.
Late afternoon sunlight for red/NIR benefits
Spend time outdoors daily.
Here are more positives to take to prayer with you, when you are outdoors:
Hildegard of Bingen- Scivias, translated by Mother Columbia Hart and Jane Bishop, p. 115.
Vision Four
7. How anger, hatred and pride are restrained
“When anger tries to burn up my tabernacle, I will look to the goodness of God, whom anger never touched; and thus I will be sweeter than the air, which in its gentleness moistens the earth, and have spiritual joy because virtues are beginning to show themselves in me. And thus I will feed God’s goodness.”
When we practice the sacraments, we gain in virtues. When we concentrate on gaining virtues, our tendency toward vice diminishes. Regular Mass attendance and frequent confessions are deterrents to growing in vice. Accentuate your virtues!
“And when hatred tries to darken me, I will look to the mercy and the martyrdom of the Son of God, and so restrain my flesh, and in faithful memory receive the sweet fragrance of the roses that spring from thorns. And so I will acknowledge my Redeemer.
Praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy reminds us that Jesus is merciful. It’s a quick about 15 minute prayer, but something you can take along with you for mediation on your walk.
“And when pride tries to build in me a tower of vanity without foundation on the rock, and to erect in me loftiness wants no to be like itself but always to be taller than the rest–oh, who will help me then, when the ancient serpent who fell into death by wishing to be above everyone is trying to cast me down?…And thus in God’s sublimity I know the sweetest good, which is humility, and feel the sweetness of the unfailing balsam and rejoice in the delightfulness of God as if I were amid the fragrance of all perfumes. And thus I ward off the other vices by the impregnable shield of humility.”
Reciting the Litany of Humility prayer daily or whenever needed squelches tendencies toward pride. It’s very conducive to sitting outside and taking respite.
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