From a place of attunement and embodied curiosity—in that proclamation to no longer abandon ourselves—we begin the slow, ever-unfolding journey of tending to pieces of soul, shards of the heart, and fragments of the psyche.
As our inquiry deepens, new ways emerge to care and come closer to ourselves, even in times of disturbance, and even as the familiar forms of our life dissolve and recycle back into the mystery. To see that even the process of dissolution is governed by the activity of compassion, as it ends one form (relationship, job, self-image, dream) so that new forms may emerge. In this way, creativity and compassion co-emerge as one.
Owing to the mercy underlying this reorganization, we honor the role these forms have played, for standing by us for so long, and providing refuge during difficult times. In this way, these forms function as representative of Hermes, god of the borderline and transition.
We grieve the loss of their companionship and allow them to continue into whatever realm is next, granting permission to move on and experience new things. To stand in the fierce yet loving truth that we must carry on without them, knowing that new guides, experiences, and perceptions will be required for the next phase.
To see this loss not as evidence of failure, but of life, of the reality of love and the intelligence of psyche. To somehow trust the crucifixion as a wrathful sort of unfolding of the heart, a necessary aspect of the process which is always alive and at work in the psyche.
While we may not have a choice as to whether the crucifixion will occur, we do seem to have some choice to consciously participate or not. If we repress or otherwise abandon the crucifixion, it will unfold without us and find its way into the shadow, which has a way of cutting into the intimacy and aliveness wired into the human heart.
To stand in awe at this process, despite the profound pain and grief, to care for all of it as we allow the mystery to reveal itself in deeper and deeper ways. To know that healing and awakening is messy, glorious, and whole… and is not only an act of creation, but one of destruction as well.
My latest book – The Path Is Everywhere: Uncovering the Jewels Hidden Within You – is now available
My next two events:
The Path is Everywhere: A Weekend Intensive, June 15-18 in Loveland, Colorado
The Great Befriending: A Five-Day Journey of Self-Love, Deep Rest, and Coming Alive (with Jeff Foster), September 21-26 in Loveland, Colorado
