the celtic monk
The following post originally appeared in "The Celtic Monk." It is reprinted here with permission from the author.
This is my favorite photo. It's a Beluga Whale who has become the signature of all printed material of Peace River Spirituality Center. You can see her in a quick glance at our brochure, letterhead, business cards, even on our mouse pad!
It's not that I don't like the rounded white head of the Beluga, but there is something at the same time mysterious, ethereal and strong about this image. Maybe the mystery is in the nature of the fluke--which we know is like the whale version of human fingerprints...no two exactly alike. Maybe its the strength we imagine of this magnificent creature as she plunges herself into the deep. Or simply the stark visual contrast of the white flesh against the dark water in her naturalized tank.
My eye, heart and imagination are caught by the amazing color of the submerged head and body under the water. The cool teals and turquoises call me to follow. I want to know what caused her to change course. I want to feel the water quickly going over my body. I want to know what called to her that was worth the plunge--perhaps especially that--what made her dive deeper?
This photo is of a moment in time of a transition. We don't know what happened the moment before, or what came after. We do know that something or someone called and Sophia took the plunge, changed direction, went by another path, deeper...and alone.
That is the nature of transitions, isn't it. One moment we're headed one way and then something happens, or we hear a different voice, a different call. It's the nature of transitions that they often feel like we're taking a plunge which can be exciting or fearful or both. What transitions have you experienced lately?
Transitions can be public like changes in where we work or where we live. They can be more private like matters of our health or changing our mind. But sometimes the transitions of our life are of the spirit. Transitions in our spirit often affect all areas of our lives--as they involve the very bedrock of who we are.
In my work in spiritual direction, I'm often able to accompany folks as they are being awakened to fresh impulses of God's Spirit. Often they don't recognize the new...but know that the old ways they thought, prayed, experienced the Holy, or believed are changing. It's most often at first a frightening thing. But as we meet, together we're able to begin to see an order, or direction, or even a divine plan. Waiting is the most difficult part of any transition.
Currently I'm in a transition of my own. After 5 consecutive Interim opportunities...I hear a loud, insistent call for reflection. This week I've transitioned from a 20 month full-time call to a very part-time position for the next few months. I find myself at a place of utter openness willing to take the time to listen and follow, whatever that may bring. I'm trying to pay attention to those sweet whispers of the Spirit--making note of what is new or different. More than ever, I take comfort in the photo above and her obvious freedom to change direction!
I'm convinced that for the most part we've been poorly taught in how to be aware and listen for birthing moments in our spirit. Life moves at a pace that is not conducive to such subtlety. Chances are we've whooshed right past Spirit nudges and have left behind opportunities for our good and for the good of others around us.
But it need not be so. Why not set aside an hour a month for your spirit? Meditate. Pray. Make an appointment with a spiritual director. Walk on the beach (unless its cold where you are). Set an intention to connect with your spirit--and don't be surprised when The Spirit shows up.
