The Original Vision

As Lent approaches, I often find myself focusing on a theme for the season. I wanted to share this year's theme with some friends, and see if anyone felt moved to participate.

So here's what I'm seeing.

Once upon a time upon a mountain in the full moon light of a very cold night, I saw love incarnate in the light - every mote, every sparkle was dancing with the substance of the universe, that is God, that is love. Since then it seems to me that even the chair I'm sitting in is constructed of vibrant love.

Another time, worried about the condition of the world (easy to be worried!) I must have somehow asked a clear question about how to help - one of those miracles that come and go and don't remain in memory! What I saw in answer was a picture of one of the contributors to ongoing violence, hatred, anger and the desire of some people to exploit or control others. It is a world-wide shared layer of the results of trauma (a planetary case of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD) that breeds more trauma. I saw it as an oily gook, hardened into rock in some places.

Simultaneously I saw how tangible love could dissolve that layer and contribute to a more heavenly life on earth, and that simply sitting and radiating that love into the oily gook was, at least, a good way to contribute. It has been a good outlet for service in my prayers and meditations, and has the wonderful effect of lessening my worry and dissolving my personal internal scars and reactions as well. I feel it has a healing effect on my family, friends, clients, all those I have concern for.

My practice of this vision has been sporadic, so it has occurred to me that it will be a good thing to dedicate this Lent to being more regular about seeing the world-wide layer of PTSD dissolved in love.

If this practice calls to you, please incorporate it into your own work, both internal and external. If you do anything like that, I would love to hear from you, and, if you care to, share it with others who are participating.