XVII The Moon/La Luna, from the DaVinci Tarot, developed by McElroy, Ghiuselev & Atanassov & published by Lo Scarabeo. |
Last night the snow fell in unexpected volumes & covered the filthy, thawing, litter-strewn land with a fresh blanket of glitter. A second chance to shine. If the clouds cooperate, I suspect this Esbat, the Land will be aglow with Moonlight, from head to toe.
Practice. I frequently hear people say, "In my practice..." What makes a religious or spiritual "practice"? I have been considering this quite carefully lately. How do we describe it? Where do we find it? Is a practice defined by our chosen label, symbols or the objects & gestures one manipulates about in space? Is it in the language, the words we utter when we make our adorations & offerings? Or, is it a core philosophical position, an approach to existence, a personal lifeway -- something much less precise, yet all-consuming?
If I were asked about my "practice" today, I would answer: My "practice" is Kindness.
If I were asked today, how do I "practice," I would answer: With every fibre of my being.
If I were asked today, when do I "practice," I would answer: Every moment, I try.
If I were asked today, what tools do I use in my "practice," I would answer: My Relationships.
If I were asked today, what does my "practice" look like, I would answer: My practice looks very much like me.
Of course this is, in in all instances, it's inverse as well because my "practice" is also Relationships & the tool I choose to employ in them is Kindness. Ah, how the Mysteries fold & unfold on themselves...
Live. Love. Practice, every day. There is always another chance to shine.
The poetry for this month's Full Moon is from a little book entitled, The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry, edited by Stephen Mitchell. When I read this ancient poem, I wonder if I will ever feel the desire to read another poem again.
Untitled, by Izumi Shikibu (974-1034 C.E.)
Translated by Jane Hirshfield with Mariko Aratani
Watching the moon
at dawn,
solitary, mid-sky,
I knew myself completely:
no part left out.
Blessings to you this Esbat, my friends.
2 comments:
Lately moon watchers keep taking the words right out of my mouth. Amen to all the above. Peace, Dhiosdh.
I wake brielfy, just for your words. Peace to you too. Let us keep watching the lovely muse together.
Post a Comment