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GraceNotes: Holding the Space for … Reflection
#51 — July 1, 2016 |
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If our lives are made up of a string of a thousand moments, at some of those moments we look a lot more spiritually evolved than at others. — Anne Lamott Greetings, Inspired Seekers! Here we are in July and, as the seasons change, we are moved to change as well. Sometimes. We sit at the midpoint of summer and, some of us, at the midpoint of our lives. This is a time for new questions, different answers and change; evolution, if you will. As the seasons all have their own glory — spring rains, summer sunshine, falling leaves and bracing winds — they also prepare Mother Earth for the seasons that follow. And so, how do we humans prepare and change? What are our evolutionary stages, and do we really embrace them as a means to a deeper sense of spiritual health? I suppose I am more aware of these “seasons” as I spend more time on the planet. And it seems to me, as I enter the second half of life (I hope!), that the first half was all about discovering who we are and what we want. It is as if we see our lives as containers and we work to fill them with beloved things. This is as it should be; we are learning, seeking and becoming. We find our safe places, we develop our practices, our ego develops and the self takes shape. All is well. The problem, as I see it, is that we often stay stuck in the first half of life, regardless of our age. We are happy in our containers and do not move too sharply, lest they crack. And the world often supports this fearful stagnation. We go to church but only if everyone looks like we do. We sing hymns but only those we know. We recite prayers by rote but compassionate conversations elude us. So, the container becomes a shield and a hindrance. We become afraid to let go. This second stage of life, this later “season” should, I think, open us up rather than keep us contained. As we evolve, we move beyond our status, possessions and security and into the wider world of Spirit. The world where the Divine and the connectedness of life live. I admit that this new territory beckons with both excitement and uncertainty. But, when I take a step away from the container, my sense of freedom and peace begin to grow. The container is breaking open and expansion begins. And it appears that the world is in great need of spiritual expansion. So, as you move through the seasons of the planet and your own seasons of growth, be aware of the containers that restrict you. Break them open, trust in the Divine and expand into the compassion of the world! Mother Earth — and the rest of us — will appreciate it! Grace-Fully Yours, Monthly Affirmation: I am breaking open, letting go and inviting Spirit to lead! The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington provides spiritual coaching to seekers wishing to expand their spiritual practices and awareness. She guides rather than directs, and supports rather than discourages her clients to stand in their own truth. She can be contacted at 215 260 1611 or at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com. |
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