Religion and spirituality and practice. Over my lifetime, I’ve asked myself, “What do I believe?” It’s an important question. One’s identity can be so wrapped up in belief and practice that it can feel insurmountable to separate the strands. To take a step back and
reflect on “Where do I come from?” and “Where am I now?” and “Where am I going?”
Seeking out spiritual mentoring or direction--choosing the focus can help. Various therapies and modalities can also aid. A trusted friend might challenge you, and that may be the locus of change, of identifying how you walk in the world, of being brave and stepping out in faith, as it were, to trust yourself and speak your truth.
Priorities. I’ve explored this via writing and posting here and there. I participate in public rituals and work within interfaith settings. I’ve mentored and taught and spoken when invited as myself, a public Pagan. But I still experience those feelings of “am I good enough, is the writing good enough, is what I say and do enough?”
It’s a vulnerable place to be. To admit weakness, to admit fallibility, to accept one’s limitations.
I seek clarity. Always. Perhaps you do, too. I seek connection and community. I can seek the Divine, but I also know the Divine resides within me. Trusting that, is key. Working with the resources that have graciously been shared with me, a sacred place where my heart resides. Where community is present. Where sacred Sisters reach out, speaking hard truths, daring me to recognize what is before me. And do what needs to be done.
Ministry can be expressed in many forms. One-on-one, in small or large group settings, virtual, in published works--however one chooses to participate. As clergy in my tradition, I am fortunate to engage in all these. I am recognized as Pagan; I may be the only “out” Pagan many encounter. There is a sacredness in walking true to my path. I believe it’s important to be visible. However, all of the questions I posted above, still come to the fore. And that is where I know it’s important to remain connected to the Divine. I breathe and Air is within me. In my tears, Water is within me. I feel my pulse and Fire is within me. I clasp my hands, the bones are strong, and Earth is within me.
The Divine spark? Oh, She is present. Above, below, and in-between. Always and everywhere. How do I know? For me, it’s a knowing-in-my-knower kind of thing. Call it intuition? Sensing Presence? However you reference it. At my altar, the sacred is present. In community, the sacred is present. In writing, speaking, teaching, even ordering coffee and smiling at the server with a hearty “thank you”, the sacred is present.
Thank you Presence. Thank you community. Thank you stars and moon and sun. Thank you sky and waters. Thank you Mother Earth.
May it always be so.
Blessed be.
Lady Cynthia
Comments