May, 1997 Volume VIII, Number 5
The following is based on my own journal work with an image.
During our recent Day of Recollection I found myself reflecting on the
spiraling nature of the center of the sunflower. The seeds form a beautiful
and mathematically precise spiral. I first became aware of the pattern as a
gardener reveling in nature's beauty. The mathmatical aspect of it came in a
wonder filled lecture of by a teaching assistant in college. Using the both
the sunflower and the winding of morning glory vines as examples he sought to
open our minds to the congruence of the natural world and the elegant world of
mathematical description.
On my life journey, the image or pattern of the spiral has given me an outline
or form for the path in many ways. When looking backward I can often see the
cycles of my own habits; at times I look down and back from an expanding swing.
I can see the issue that I am focusing on as one that I have passed and dealt
with at other times. The spiral gives me perspective. There is a chambered
nautillus feel to this as well -- growing, facing the world. The rooms of my
past spiral around me. I am connected to both the outer and the inner.
But there is also that work which turns in the other way, in which the center
is the infinite unknown, and most wished for knowledge. If I have woven a
spiral web then I must turn toward the spider sitting at the center. Each move
I make is known to the watcher at the core. I am both hunter and hunted, actor
and witness. And is this web not hung from other working spirals? All about
me are sunflowers blooming. Blossoms form within a ring of petals; each the
possibility of seed. They mature in a spiral inward, slowly from the edge to
the center, a fertile opening of life into life. They offer me a vision of
developing wisdom and insight.
My understanding of life and mystery and spirit is aided by these wondrous
images, which reflect a glimmer of the greater reality in which I live and
grow. They are a part of that inward dialogue between self and the unknown.
When I think with them I find it easier to listen to what I am being called to
know. It is comforting to know that Rumi spoke in poems and Jesus told
parables to give us a taste of what is at the source of our unfolding.
A.S.
CALENDAR
DAY OF RECOLLECTION
Saturday, May 10, 10 AM to 3 PM
At the home of Paschal Baute, 6200 Winchester Rd, Lexington
Theme: Dialogue on the Spiritual Journey
Lunch: Soup and bread provided, bring pot luck additions.
QUARTERLY RETREAT
June 20 - 22: Friday 7 PM to Sunday noon
Theme: Honoring the Inward Path
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REFLECTIONS ON STEP VI
"Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"
Character goes deep. If you have tried to change some basic tendency or habit
in yourself, you know how frustrating and difficult that can be. It's as
though through endless repetitions, we have worn a deep groove in our nervous
system and even in our physical manifestation. It's like being down in a deep
rut with your car; you gun the motor, but the wheels just spin, and even dig
the rut deeper. Where can we find the energy or the skill, the technique to
break free of the negative aspects of ourselves that we uncovered in step
four?
The basic energy to free ourselves comes from the realization in step one that
our situation is desperate; we must change, whatever it takes.
The skillful means to change are the program outlined in the twelve steps. One
of the basic messages in these steps is: I am the author of my difficulties,
unless I change, nothing will change. As this realization grows, we become
entirely ready to have God remove our defects of character.
Step two is "came to believe a Power greater than ourselves could restore us
to sanity." So we don't have to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, relying
solely on our own strength. Step six further unfolds our new-found dependence
on that Higher Power--whatever we conceive that to be. Basically, we admit we
have faults in us that need to be eliminated, and ask that Power to help us
remove them.
Suffering and humility turn out to be our unsuspected allies in turning our
lives in a spiritual direction. Even the stickiest of our old ideas and
attitudes can melt and be transformed in the Light of that Great Spirit of All.
Nothing is impossible for those who turn towards God.....
M.K.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
Our spiritual life is enhanced by meditation and constructive inner
dialogue.
We offer these exeercises as one possible guide for such reflection.
JOURNAL EXERCISE
In the ancient Chinese book of wisdom, the I Ching, one finds
commentary listed in two ways. One is a Judgment, the other is an Image. The
images in the I Ching are taken from the natural world, family and
societal relationships. In the Bible, and in other scriptures, one
finds the use of symbol to facillitate our conversation with what is beyond the
rational mind. Each person has through their living accumulated their own set
of images and symbolic material which interfaces with their private world and
the much larger collective of understanding.
In this exercise you work with an image or symbol that is meaningful to you.
First, give time to center and allow the image which you wish to use to come to
you. If one does not arise easily, perhaps reading from a favorite poem, or
passage of scripture will give useful material. If you are familiar and
comfortable with the I Ching, its system might serve as a starting
point. However the image comes to you, try to live with it for a while.
When you are ready to begin journaling, give yourself a quiet space and time.
Then begin by writing about the symbol's roots in your personal world. This
might be history, or reflections on relationships in which it was important.
Let this lead to a reflection on the symbol's meaning for you. Make notes on
any insights which are valuable to you in the present.
Close your journaling time with some quiet. Gratitude is a wonderful closing
for private time.
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