Embracing the MYSTERY

Someone that I loved died suddenly this last week. He was a mentor, therapist, colleague and friend. He used to remind me that we were committed to the same thing; healing and transformation. He was active in many organizations committed to healing and had a vibrant practice in which many people sought his wisdom and assistance. I will miss him on this physical plane and will be grateful for the ways he touched my life and the lives of my family members and friends.

With all the emotions I feel about this, I have become aware of a fantasy that I've chosen to confront. In my mind it goes something like, "if I do all the right things, eat all the right foods, deal with my trauma and do my best to live a life of service, I will live a long and vibrant life." Today, I am not sure that is true. My friend did all of those things and he died very young. I am rethinking this fantasy. Part of my own emotional sobriety is surrendering to the unknown of this life and embracing a spiritual perspective.

Embracing the Mystery of life and death is part of living a spiritual life. The word, "mystery" comes from "mystic" which speaks about an "initiated person" and "initiated" comes from the word "beginning." Embracing the mystery in life and being a mystic or initiated person is just the beginning really. There is so much we do not know or understand. All that we can do is go within, trust our own spiritual process and surrender to the mystery of it all.

I wish there was another way to live the spiritual life and emotional sober life other than having to be shocked by so many uncertainties, but I believe that the way of the mystic is to life this way. And to be a mystic means that we hold our emotions in a way that honors all involved. We let our emotions inform us, but not captivate us. We can bring our emotions when shocked or grieved or angered to our spiritual practice and know there is mystery in it all.

Today, I honor the mystery of the spiritual life and embrace the energy of my emotions as part of that honoring. I hold the unknowns, the shocks, the comings and goings of great ones in and out of the physical and spiritual realms as part of the mystery. Dealing with our emotions, giving up our trauma, old beliefs and behaviors will guide us into an unknown and new way of living. Surrendering to the mystery of it all seems the only option to keep us on the edge, trusting and open.

Blessings to you on this great journey of mystery and new beginnings,

Sally