Equinox

It helps me to remember that our self-created whirlwind is not Spirit’s whirlwind. The balance is there, right now, in the energies pouring around us, but our self-created story gets in the way of seeing it. It’s not bypassing, denial, or delusion to remember to look through the bigger eyes of Spirit to get a different perspective on what’s going on. 

In the world of spiritual work, in plant medicine, shamanic initiatory experiences, in Buddhism - really in all committed spiritual work, there is an idea that when you step into the next level of your spiritual work, “your shit is going to come up.” It is naïve for us to believe (or be sold on the idea) that we can open new power and connection, or new consciousness, all through pleasure, peace, and joy. 

I’m about to head off to Mexico for a daunting week of work with my teachers. I’ve been cranky as hell all week. Anxious, angry. Literally stumbling around, off-balance. Indecisive, confused, and very small-minded. I yelled at a guy that didn’t deserve it, then felt ashamed for two days. I suddenly realized, oh, yeah – I’m in the arms of Sprit, asking to step up, open up, grow. My shit is coming up. It has to, to clear the way for the whatever Spirit is going to deliver. I don’t like it. Spirit should work differently. It should be easier. The fact is, that’s not how it works. The number one skill here for the seeker, is to not get stuck in the shit as it oozes out. See it, acknowledge it, and let it go. None of this is easy. 

Our nation, our species, is in this same place, at the threshold of the new consciousness. And our collective shit is coming up right now, which can be seen – if we want to see it this way – as a strong signal that we are getting worked by Spirit. Worked really well. 

For me, the main task right now is to take on attitudes and practices that help move the shit out of us but not get stuck in it. 

There are a few simple practices you can do to help. (I’m teaching a class that goes into depth on this that starts April 2.

Maybe the most important thing is what I mentioned above: spend time each day sitting in the larger view. Just sit quietly, five minutes, and be with that larger view. Breathe deeply. Simple. 

Second, because we feel so victimized by circumstances (I didn’t vote for this, I’m not one of those crazies, I’m a good person surrounded by lunatics, the broligarchs are the evil ones, etc.) a difficult but powerful attitude is this: I chose to incarnate in this time, in this place, in these circumstances. I came here to work my own life task, which clearly involves navigating these whirling energies, or I wouldn’t be here. Three questions with working with right now: 

What would it look like to step outside of my current fears and blames? 

What is mine to do? 

How can I be of service to the Good right now? 

Third, don’t underestimate or diminish the power of your prayers. Everything that has ever co me into being through a human being began first in their prayers. So, be mindful with your prayers, but diligent.

Blessings of the equinox be on you.