Solitude for my Soul

Solitude for my soul sitting under an olive tree in the speckled shade of the Tuscan sunlight gazing out onto fields of olives, grapes and tall jutting cypress.  A small forest stands in the distance. A hilltop town gazes down at me from above making me feel small and insignificant.  The cicadas chirp loudly and the birds chime in behind.  An occasional grasshopper rustles in the dry grass nearby.  A tall oak that has lost all of its foliage guards a creek of berries, black I assume, and a field of vines.  Now I can let my heart rest.  Behind is the cathedral where I have just experienced a portion of mass followed by soothing Gregorian chants.  I needed this Sunday of solitude.  This day to rest my soul on things not of myself.

The church is down a long steep road and it lies on the pilgrims road to Rome.  This pilgrims path is one we will often follow on this journey through Tuscany.  A path which seekers have long followed in search of solitude for their own souls.  The church was once a sanctuary for wanderers and once again is fulfilling that role.

The olive trees here are old, the trunks large, mangled messes with an occasional hole.  They perch on a shelf above the cathedral.

The cathedral itself is impressive on the outside for its size and arches but inside it is simple.  I am reminded of my Aunt Evy when I have to rise and sit with different songs.  I look to my left for guidance, an obvious devotee makes every movement clear.  The more I pay attention the better I can read his movements and adjust mine so that they mimic one who truly knows what to do. I lift my heart skyward as they chant and sing an Amen at then end.

Solitude for my soul at the Abbazia Di Sant'Antimo