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GraceNotes: Holding the Space for … Reflection
#765 — August 1, 2018 |
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Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go. — Hermann Hesse Greetings, Inspired Seekers! Many years ago I embarked upon my first career change (I am now in my 5th (!) career.) and enrolled in culinary school. After several weeks, in a moment of frustration, I said to my Chef Instructor: I used to think I knew how to cook. Now I feel as if I don't know anything. He smiled and replied — Now you are really ready to learn. That memory returned during one of my meditations as I was praying that some of the confusion in my life would become clear. I do not doubt that many of us have experienced those moments when we hope to slough off the old illusions, to rid ourselves of the state of the union, the normal, the way things “just are.” We grow tired of trying to solve problems and freely want to relinquish the role of “fixer.” Those moments are the entry point into the SpaceForGrace; the sacred space where transformations and growth flourish. When we are ready and finally willing to give up what we think we know and venture into the unknown, we are open to the voice of Spirit telling us: Now you are really ready to learn. This is the space where genuine listening and genuine change take place; this is the old world making space for the new. It is the terrifying space of letting go. As spiritual seekers, we can become lulled into the status quo and a practice that is business as usual. But our spiritual practices should lead us through the doors of exploration and a widening of the world rather than allowing us to feel safe and all-knowing in our meditations and prayers. We spend so much time figuring out how to live in brokenness that the thought of wholeness eludes us. Our certainty of our beliefs and dogmas can close in the boundaries and keep us in a smaller space rather than opening up the universe to us and those with whom we share the planet. So, go ahead … explore and deconstruct. As well as ordering that new “deconstructed” culinary dish, try deconstructing some of your traditional practices. Break bread with someone who sees a world different from yours. Enter into that SpaceForGrace to learn rather than to validate or convert. The possibilities are endless — and, in the “reconstruction,” you might just transform the old into the new. Grace-Fully Yours, Monthly Affirmation: I let go of the past and seek new meaning in all things. Spiritual Direction can help open new windows into your faith and practices. If you would like to explore the path of Spiritual Direction, give us a call at 215 260 1611 or drop us a line at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com and let us help you pull back the curtain. |
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