"Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water..." one film famously said -We began yesterday our didactic on Dreams. In typical supervisory style, it was experiential. No, RB did not put us to sleep or hypnotize us, although we were taken on a guided meditation and allowed the opportunity to reflect on our lifes.
From Luke, the parable of the sower: Luke 8:4-8 ~While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown."
Our reflection ~ what places in my life are like paths, so walked upon that not much else can grow? What fortresses of rocks have I scattered some seeds, where I don't let anyone see or know? What birds are found in me that take life from me, that encroach and try to prevent me from taking root and being nurtured? How do these birds steal my joy? Where is the good soil that gives me life? What emotions do I attach to these places?
This exercise helped me to see how my dreams - my own parables - can give me insight to what journey my inner life is taking. As my lenten prayer themes continue to arise in my conscious prayer life [to continue being rigorously honest, to convert condemnation to compassion, to allow the tension of non-connection with others (and find a way to connect to my SELF)] they are deepening in my sub-conscious dream-life.
I wonder if my fairly recent inability to fall asleep is related to my feeling that it is not "safe to get back in the water" - that my dream life has more to tell me than my conscious life wants to hear? My sense is that is where the healing may be found.
Something to ponder in my heart and with which I can live in the tension. Till next week's class!
I hope you're getting some sleep now!
ReplyDeleteYour statement, which I've heard before stood out again just now:
to convert condemnation to compassion,
When something irritates me in someone else, I look at myself to see if I find the same trait.
I'm discovering that I don't have to look too hard. It's an humbling experience. It feels like someone has turned on a light!
great opening to a great commentary.
ReplyDeletegreat opening to a great blog.
ReplyDelete