For almost as long as I’ve been a Mason, I have wanted to create a small, contemplative space for myself. A Chamber Of Reflection if you will. Perhaps not as small and dark as these spaces traditionally tend to be, but a still, silent, and dim out of the way place, with memento mori the focus.
A place to meditate and contemplate. A place to read about important philosophical subjects, and to write about Masonry. A space for tarot, in the different way I use it. A place in which the spirit symbolized by the Compass can clearly rule the animal nature symbolized by the Square.
Finally though, and very importantly I think, a space in which to teach. A space large enough for two or three to gather in quiet conversation about the important questions of life.
In one week I must face the reality that I have reached the absolute pinnacle of Ancient Craft Masonry. There is no Lodge for me to lead, no chair for me to sit in. The last thing any Lodge needs is some old Past Grand Master trying to control things. I’ve thought a lot about that over the last few years and what I’ve decided is that the very best contribution I can make to Craft Masonry moving forward is to serve as a mentor and coach for new Masons in my area. To work to inspire within them a profound love for Freemasonry, just as the men who mentored me inspired that within me.
So, a contemplative space in which to teach new Masons about the wonderful Fraternity that they have just joined, and the limitless depths to be plumbed within it.
As I mentioned, I’ve wanted such a space for a very long time. But, alas, it was never to be. The homes I have lived in while a Mason just weren’t conducive to it.
Until this recent move that is.
This house is plenty large to have the spare space I needed to create my own ‘Chamber’ and that space is completely private, set off from the rest of the home.
The house was built in the 1930’s, and in the 1950’s a separate entrance was created so that one could go into the basement without ever entering the house. Then part of the basement was walled off, finished, and turned into a beauty salon.
We have absolutely no use for this large room and its adjoining bathroom. We could let it slowly fill up with junk that we would be better off throwing away, or I can turn it into my own very private contemplative space.
I started to do that over this past week, and it is coming along wonderfully. A place of learning, and reflection. Small enough to serve as my personal Chamber Of Reflection, yet large enough to be able to gather two or three together for mentoring through the Degrees.
I think that this will be a superb addition to my personal Masonic practice, and I am very curious if others have built similar spaces for themselves.
If you enjoyed this short essay, will you consider sharing it with another Mason who you think would also enjoy reading it?
Thank you for your support of Emeth!
Most Worshipful: Even though your term is coming to an end, you still wield a lot of influence over those of us committed to the Craft. You are leading discussions of importance that needed to be shared among brothers. You are creating conversations among many that should have occurred years ago. To this, I will always be grateful. But as you leave office, your impact will be felt for years to come and many, like myself will be better Masons because of you. Thank you.
A *personal* Chamber of Reflection! A place for discussion, mentoring, meditation, spiritual cleansing! Many men would say that their Chamber of Reflection usually has a roll of toilet paper close to hand (as it were), but space is limited to a party of one. My personal meditation room has my Masonic books, my computer, and two chairs. (I need a bigger room!)
I greatly enjoy my responsibilities as a mentor to younger Masons and eagerly anticipate our sessions of education and non-Masonic discussion. I'm coaching a young, newly Raised Master Mason, who wants to start "going through the chairs." I keep telling him, "slowly, slowly catchee monkey." Don't try to do it all at once. It's not a sprint, nor even a marathon. It's a slow hike along the Appalachian Trail. Take time to reflect and absorb.
For which you and I need space and time. Congratulations on finding the perfect venue for your musings!