Eclipse Time
We are in a moment where there is great and particular support and encouragement for questioning and releasing anything that has been holding us in a place of suffering: thoughts, habits, relationships, patterns of behavior; old structures that value exclusion over inclusion; old patterns of dividing ourselves into “us” and “them”; outdated institutions that ignore or deny the basic goodness inherent in all life; old ideas of dominance, power, and dominion; algorithms that are only able to make decisions based on what has already happened (encoded in both technology and our own minds); rigid cultural structures and institutions that insist we must look to something outside of ourselves to determine our value, worth, and enoughness.
These things don’t necessarily dissolve overnight (or, maybe they do?), but I am choosing to take time in this moment to question the solidity of what has been holding me in place, what has caused my little self to feel disconnected from my Self.
As I question these strictures and structures, I am reminded how flimsy they really are, how easily dissolved, how readily compostable. Without them, my nervous system has an opportunity to rest and heal. I find myself imagining with renewed hope: a beautiful vision of a world where all beings (human and other-than-human) are cared for, recognized and celebrated for their unique gifts, strengths, wisdom, and contributions; where all cups overflow; where sacred waters flow free and clear and heal all they touch; where rest is valued and celebrated (and not just an "unfortunate necessity" on the path to endless productivity); where space is not feared for what it doesn't hold, but celebrated for the potentiality of all that can be created there; where delight has infinite space to guide, grow, flourish, and dance.
As we move into this eclipse time, what wants to be released and left on this side of the moon? What ecstatic vision wants to be greeted on the other side?
As the sun reemerges from its brief retreat, may the clouds of culture break and allow the light of our true nature to shine through.