Going Through Dormancy

As I sit here in early dawn, the birds ourside are singing away, announcing that sping is not too far away. For those of you who live where there are seasons, you know the joy of that first crocus, that first bud, that first bloom. Spring tells us the earth is awakening from its winter sleep.

We owned an apple orchard when I was growing up. I learned early on how important the dormant season is if you hope to get a good harvest. Apples require so many dormant days if they are going to produce fruit.

We have dormant periods in our spiritual life as well, days when our enthusiasm wanes, our inspiration lessens, and perhaps we second guess where we are on our journey. Perhaps this is the true meaning of Lent, a reminder that all of life cannot be blossoms and buds. We must go through a dormant period as well, and that such times reflect not some kind of moral failure but is the normal rhythm of any life.

So take heart. Dormant periods are good for our souls. We can take these times to surrender to the process. We can learn to let go, to trust, to believe without feeling or sensing. For ultimately, we will find spring again. And our fruit will bear the witness to our patience in dormancy.

Awakening

As the new year approaches, many of us will search for a resolution to mark this step. For the spiritually minded, this resolution will not be about dropping a few pounds or beginning some new regime of exercise as much as it will be about finding ways to be more centered, more aware, more conscious.We can do this by becoming more awake in our meditation.

Meditation has taken on greater value in the past decade, and with good cause. Science has proven its value in emotional and physical health. But it is also the door through which we can descend into the depths of secrets, those reserved for serious seekers.

And what is revealed to those becoming more awake? Only each individual heart will know. For each heart is unique, and each soul has its own journey to make. Awakening through meditation means knowing my heart better, understanding my journey more clearly.

As we approach the beginning of another year, my hope is that I can take the time for deeper and more profound meditation. For as much as it benefits me, it also benefits the whole world around me. For each person who becomes more awake brings greater hope for our world.

And can't our world use that?