Greetings, Inspired Seekers!

How many times, since my ordination, have I gazed with eyes glazed over, in private moments, and told myself, “seminary didn't teach me about this!”? It's probably safe to say that, whatever our profession or vocation, most of us have found ourselves in situations that befuddled, confused and stopped us in our tracks. Unprepared, we stumble through, hoping for the best. Parents of toddlers and teens face this regularly!

My point, dear friends, is that all the “book learnin'”, as my elders would say, provided us with valuable information and teaching but doesn't lead you through the experiential processes that grow us, free us and allow us to be independent. It doesn't prepare us for the surprises of life and it certainly doesn't really help with either toddler or teen tantrums.

If we look at the lives of Jesus, Buddha, Moses or Black Elk, we see lives lived alongside their followers, wisdom teachers in the classroom of life. Their disciples learned to grow through experiences, with the occasional lecture or writings. Why should we expect to be different? Even with all of the resources available through technology, the best technology is experience, not a YouTube video.

Just imagine yourself walking alongside any of these spiritual leaders, paying attention, not simply to what they are saying but, rather, taking note of how they are living. Witnessing first-hand the hows, whens, whys, whats and wheres of life; imagine mindfully learning through practice. How rich that experience is! How profound! How miraculous! And – how complete and powerful! It takes my breath away.

Our great spiritual teachers all walked their path of faith and, at, various times, relied upon that faith to survive trials and to determine their next steps. Are we so different in our journey and our struggle? I don't think so.

And so, as we prepare to enter the spring season and to embrace all it offers with the changes it will bring, let's be mindful of our daily experiences and how they might help us grow. For wisdom springs from the changes, the joys and the sorrows and all of the lessons given through experience. Just ask any toddler or teen!

Grace and Kindness,
Reverend Deborah

Question of the Month: Can we embrace experience as the greatest teacher, guided by the writings of our spiritual ancestors?

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington provides spiritual companionship to people on all spiritual journeys. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611.