Bowing deeply....
We find ourselves standing at the gate between this year and next, looking towards the approaching New Year. At the best of times this can be a charged time of the year for a lot of folks. Endings do bring a lot of mixed feelings. This year I suspect that many will be eager to say goodbye to 2020 and all that came with it.
Don't shoot the messenger, they say. Easier said than done. We sanction the vilification of what we do not like, is not easy, or obviously beautiful. A Medicine Woman that I am blessed to work with has said to me "It might not be what you want, but its what you need. Do you know how I know that ? Because that is what is happening." To be honest, for me, this teaching is often met with at least an internal expression of "I don't like that!". Eventually, and mercifully, a softening happens, bringing me into the loving truth carried in this sentiment.
Many are tired, beyond tired, feeling tender, vulnerable, unsure, totally done with the hardship, loss, fear and conflict that permeated 2020... Desperately hopeful for something better, some relief. And understandably so. It's been a heckuva year. And, I can't help but wonder, is it possible to say goodbye in a good way? To lean deeply into Gracious Seeing, asking Grace to inspire your vision. Allowing Mercy to illuminate the places where Love would have you see with gratitude, as you say goodbye to one of the most impactful years in recent history. To come away with some understanding, some appreciation even? Sounds like lofty goals to you? or simply ingenuine ? If I've learned anything so far it might be that when I call on Love, Mercy and Grace, well, things get easier to bear. They are heavy lifters, this Divine trifecta. They can help carry the heaviest of loads...
From the Siksika Blackfoot Elder who teaches "It's not what you think..." to the poets and shamans, this message that Life is not happening To You, but Lovingly For You, endures. This brings to mind the lovely Rumi and his poem The Guesthouse, as it has been good medicine for me in the past when I was wanting to rush a current experience out the door..
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
~ Jalaluddin Rumi ~
Given these sage teachings, I will choose to blow low to 2020, unspeakably grateful for the inborn notion to "hunker down in my heart" knowing that Love would be my best North for the coming year. A decision that changed me in ways that I could never have imagined. I will bow low to the Light that has been cast, illuminating much Truth. I choose to bow low to the beautiful gifts that came wrapped in some danged ugly paper, and still "treated honorably".
Bless the beautiful hearts that witnessed and accompanied me through this transformative time. Thank you for the kindness you extended, the comfort you shared, the beauty you reflected, the tears and laughter you joined me in. Bless the beautiful hearts that cried and collapsed, raged and struggled, fought and yelled. I know that the Great Mother holds both our suffering and ease as a beautiful testaments of what it is to be human. From the new friends and strangers who reached out, to those closest to me that showed me what their hearts are truly made of. It wouldn't have been the same without you.
Bless bless bless.
On that note, I will bid a fond adieu to 2020, turning slowly, gracefully, and with an open heart towards 2021. Please join me in a Bow, from my Soul to yours.
Wishing all and every one, deep blessings and delights as this year comes to a close.
much love,
Nicole