"Getting to know our inner geography, our own pattern of needs and fears, is never dangerous. The danger lies in refusing to know. We can't build solid self-confidence on ignorance and mistrust of ourselves; only by loving ourselves and acknowledging our kinship with needy, fearful humanity can we grow as individuals."
When we first begin to consider things like meditation, spiritual direction, and therapy, there is often this fear that some dreadful truth, something overwhelmingly scary or disgusting will be revealed. And thinking about this, and about that image we all carry, of the Israelites standing at the edge of the Red Sea, and the waters parting to reveal a path to the other side, I see what a wonderful metaphor that can be for the process of self-exploration.
From the edge of the water, it looks terrifyingly deep; we wouldn't even dream of wading in if we weren't being pursued by our own demons. But if we trust enough to embark, the waters will part; we'll have a chance to examine the ground beneath those overwhelming thoughts and feelings and responses, and, if we stay on the path, we will arrive safe and unharmed at some other, safer shore. And -- the good news -- is we don't have to do it alone.
... which brings me to another thing I wanted to say this morning: I am so grateful for all of you, my companions on the path. Thank you for being willing to explore with me; I really do appreciate your company!
2 comments:
It is a pleasure to join you on the path, to read words that enrich and open us to possibilities in ourselves.
They say connections on the Internet are not "real." I think we prove them wrong almost every day ... it is a joy to be on the path with you ... and now that we know that we have another 5 months before the rapture tosses us to our various fates, I look forward to each of your wonderful images and posts.
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