The Metaphor of Winter

Each morning upon awaking I grab a hot cup of MudWtr mushroom coffee with plant milk and sit on my grey blue leather couch to begin my spiritual practice. I read something spiritual, I meditate which sometimes ends up with sounds and chants, and I pray. Then I take a walk. My couch looks out a large picture window where I see my neighbor’s craftsman home surrounded by trees. I know the time of year it is by the tree’s clothing or lack thereof. Right now the tree limbs are naked sans snow.

I have been contemplating about Winter quite a bit, despite the mild one we had this year. Winter is a time of fallow. Winter is a time of snuggle. Winter is a time of planning for the other seasons of the year that require much activity and change. In Winter, you and I metaphorically can catch a breath. But this Winter is different. Our country is going through a lot. There is a lot of fear in the air. Things aren’t normal. We are forced into planning and movement, out of season, if our heart is awakened and we love humanity as God.

This past week I had three phone calls from people needing prayer for health related issues. Two including the hospital. My doctor and therapist both told me their jobs are taking a toll on them as their patients appear hopeless and the future unstable. One of my closest friends called yesterday and said she believes we will be in World War III within the next year. Her husband wants to change jobs and the fear is so severe that they aren’t sure it is prudent. This, as we know, is understandable YET not living fully. Part of this moment is learning when to listen to fear and when to move beyond it. I am reminded that the phrase “Fear not” shows up over 100 times in scripture. I believe this is become fear is born out of limitation where Faith is of The Divine Realm.

Context is important. In every story the time of year, the location, and the situation is not only the backdrop of a story but holds the story into place. It is essential. Right now our backdrop has changed. The idealistic, always getting better, expanding rights to citizens of the United States has not forgotten who it is, but is intentionally being redesigned as a hostile take-over IN THE WINTER. The traditional time of planning, snuggling, and resting.

What to do?

In this week’s e-newsletter I included a passage from Brother Lawrence’s awakening taken from the book Practicing the Presence. He woke up while contemplating a barren tree in the Winter. When he saw the unseeable potential fruitage within the barren he knew all was well. As spiritual beings we are called to do the same thing. In the midst of all of the crazy, first and foremost, we are called to see the invisible, the realm of Spirit. We are called to know the “all is well Consciousness of God” out of which we will be guided.

I am SO sorry to all of us Americans that we are going through this. I know, deep within, this is a part of Awakening to the Presence of Love. I know comfort is not our destination.