What Is Moting?

Let me approach a definition of Moting by giving you a little history about its genesis. For the past several years a dedicated group of spiritual workers have been participating in a special prayer circle on a daily basis. Over the course of time we found that in addition to those working in the core circle, there were many fellow spiritual travelers that wished they also could participate in these circles. But, through accident of geography, life responsibilities, and other factors too numerous to list, they found themselves in a situation where they could not be part of the core Circle. But, they still wished to participate. They wanted to be of service.

Thankfully, one of the results that came from our participation in a blessing workshop was a specific method that allowed our spiritual buddies to participate. This method was Moting. Each day when we formed our spiritual circle they would join in through the process of Moting. After just a few experiments it became very clear that this method was absolutely effective. The results were astounding and beyond our wildest expectations.

We have been moting now for quite some time. In addition to a very dedicated group of Moters working with the original Prayer Circles, we now have Moters participating in many different Moting opportunities.

But What Is Moting?

If we look at the origins of the word "mote" this will give us many useful clues on the nature of Moting.

• Definition 1) A small particle or speck.
• Definition 2) May (used to express wish or prayer) or might (used to express possibility)
• Definition 3) A body of persons who meet for discussion.
• Definition 4) The flourish sounded on a horn by a huntsman.

A rather odd assemblage of possible definitions for mote. But if you look at them as you would the descriptions of four blind men studying an elephant, I think you can see where we are going with this.

Each Moter is but a small particle of the whole, a mere speck of the totality of all spirit. In Moting, these specks come together with a wish of making prayer together. We call this body of persons that meet a Circle. Admittedly, it is for more than discussion. But, hey, this is word play -- looking back at the ancient and archaic use of words in an effort to reflect some understanding on a difficult topic. It is fun that our choice of term Moting ended up having so many correspondences with the actual process.

But what of the "flourish sounded on a horn by a huntsman?" Well, this is sort of the icing on the cake. It so wonderfully reflects the sense of excitement and adventure that many of us feel at the outset of each Moting experience.

As confessed above, this delving into the definition of "mote" is word play. But, as you work with Moting (if you choose to practice this spiritual discipline), I think you will also smile in appreciation of the synchronicity of the term.