walking the sacred spiral
walking the sacred spiral
Even after nearly 30 years as a minister, there are things that affect me in ways I can only cope with, not move past.
The death of Robin Williams has affected people all over the world. Even when someone contributes generously to the lives of so many with his talent, it is still possible for him to be unable to grasp it and feel it himself. Perhaps it is just too big and too spread out to take in.
This is so of all of us, if on a lesser scale than Robin. We have no real idea what kind of difference we make to other people, or how we have blessed lives in ways we never hear about. Even if we hear about them, it can be difficult to understand what that means in terms of our own value.
My spouse and I live with a dear friend who is leading a tour in England now. Here at home, we are caring for the household and pets. One of her dear cats is very ill and at a veterinary hospital near here. We don’t know if the cat will survive, or even if she can be comfortably kept alive until my friend is home in a few weeks.
Our household–both pets and people–is feeling the effects of both these household absences: my friend and her cat. With the cat’s absence we all know that something is amiss. The cats here at home all need more petting and cuddling. We humans do, too. It is difficult to focus and to remember what needs doing when. What day is it today?
Juxtaposed with the losses, both global and personal, today marks the 75th anniversary of the film, The Wizard of Oz, a film that marked my childhood, and one I have seen more often than any other. (For a movie fan, that’s saying a lot.)
The movie is filled with magic, whimsy, creativity and delight. It is touching, scary, wise and funny. Loss and forgiveness come into play. The importance of recognizing and appreciating home is revealed.
So Coming Home is my theme today. Robin Williams has gone home. We may have different perspectives on the manner of his going, but we are grateful he is no longer struggling.
Our dear cat may follow him into the Mystery before long, and we will miss her if that comes to pass. But we could never regret knowing and loving her. Her uniqueness has added to our experience of love.
Home is a feeling of connection and belonging to a place and people who love us no matter what. When we are home we are replenished, encouraged, comforted and known–as best our dear ones can offer these and we can accept them. When we are away from home, we draw on it to help us thrive until we return.
Home is a place where we can be ourselves without fear of ridicule or rejection.
Yes, I know, many people left their family home without ever having had that experience. But it is an experience we can create and nurture by choice, as adults, it isn’t a matter of luck or coincidence.
Home may be a location where we dwell, but more than that it is an atmosphere of love we enter into and share with others. A building isn’t required to create a home.
If you have such an atmosphere around you, take this moment to be appreciative of it. It is a precious gift. Love those who contribute to that home. Hold them close in your own way, and let them know what they mean to you today. Love your children and your pets with generous affection and words of love. These actions nourish the soul of the giver and the receiver.
And when it’s time to let go in some way, grieve, remember, celebrate and feel. This kind of releasing practice honors a life, a home, or a teaching with the honor and appreciation it deserves.
Namasté, dear ones, namasté.
Coming Home
Wednesday, August 13, 2014