Many of us here in British Columbia are bracing for the coldest time of this winter.
I guess that seems kind of fitting as we come into the first anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. I don’t know about you, but more and more I’m noticing people seem to have had “just about enough” of the uncertainty, the isolation, and yes – we’re missing those hugs!
In a daily reading that I read this morning, one of my colleagues, Dr. Petra Weldes in Dallas, Texas, wrote about toxic situations. She shared a story about a poisonous tree growing in someone’s yard. The lesson was about what to do with it. The options were: to stay away from it; to build a fence around it to keep everyone away; to cut it down completely; or to appreciate it, use it for shade and maybe even some additional advantages not completely evident in the moment (like medicinal benefits).
I’m sure you get the metaphor. We’re living in difficult times; there’s no sugar coating or denying that at this point in time. Many of us feel sad, frustrated and withdrawn – of course we do – we have reason to (in my humble opinion). However, once we’ve felt those feelings and allowed them their space, what next?
Well, I’m leaning into a two-fold opportunity.
I’m reminding myself that this is the time to delve deeper, and earnestly commit to the spiritual practices that bring me closer to my centre – that place of equilibrium, that place of the “Infinite in smiling repose”. Goodness knows, there’s so much chatter and interference in the outer world! My sense is that we’re being driven by a Force for Good, into our inner centres, into the undisturbable peace of our True Nature. (If you’re new to spiritual practices or need a conscious reminder and an opportunity to come back to practice, I’ll be teaching an accredited Spiritual Principles and Practices class during the month of March. More information to come soon. I’d love to have you there.)
I’m also reminding myself that this situation is drawing us toward gifts we (as individuals and as a collective) may never have recognized. I love the idea that humanity and its Highest Nature has actually called this situation into being. From this point of view, we’re not victims of what’s happening, we’re powerful co-creators. What if we take this opportunity to call forth those gifts?
John O’Donohue said:
“So much depends on how we look at things. The quality of our looking determines what we come to see.”
My hope is that with our thinking/feeling natures and our spiritual practices, we can truly begin to look toward the remedies and the revelations this situation is offering us. My hope is that this also brings us peace, patience and comfort in this ‘now’ time.
I invite you to join Kenn and myself next Sunday as we celebrate Valentine’s Day by sharing the Sunday message on love and relationships (not just coupledom)!
Blessings,
Dr. Deborah
PS: If you missed yesterday’s talk by Neal Klassen, titled “Every Thought is a Prayer”, you can watch it on our YouTube channel.
Practitioner of the Week is Joanne Marie, RScP. If you are looking for one-to-one prayer treatment support for ANYTHING, you can contact her directly via email at joannemarie369@gmail.com.
MIND-FULL MOMENT
Spiritual practice should not be confused with grim duty. It is the laughter of the Dalai Lama and the wonder born with every child.
— Jack Kornfield
Copyright © 2021 Centre for Spiritual Living Kelowna. All rights reserved.
Comments