First Light, My Muse: Your Monday Encouragement (25/7/21)

There is wisdom in you. There is a place in you that knows what you need to do next. There is a place in you that will light up and resonate when you come across information, ideas, pathways and things meant for you. You will know when something is out of alignment and meant to pass you by. It’s a skill to learn, a relationship to build, a practice to, well, practice. But first and foremost, you must believe that it is there, that deep within you, goodness and wisdom dwells as part of your original and holy design. It’s connected to the fabric of everything, and you can sink down into it, call upon when you need it. It’s the inner stillness and peace we so yearn for. The wisdom you need is in you.

Rumi said: “Maybe you are searching among the branches for what only appears in the roots.” Glennon Doyle said: “This life is mine alone. So, in that spirit, I have stopped asking people for directions to places they’ve never been. There is no map. We are all pioneers.” The Psalmist said: “Be still and know that I am God.” Finally, Jesus said: “And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Because love and truth are partners. You’ll know you’ve found your Deep Knowing when love is what has taken you there, when you finally have the courage to face the truth about who you are and the grace to witness the truth before you, in others and the earth. It will only lead you deeper into love.

The truth sets you free because you are only as free as you are true. This kind of freedom is a lifelong journey of wonder, compassion, and courage. There will be voices telling you that truth cannot be inside of you, that wisdom only dwells in high and lofty places outside of you, that your heart and body and spirit can’t possibly know what to do because your humanity is your downfall and God is here to save you from yourself.

But God saves you through the imbuement of courage, from the hell of being anyone other than who you really are. People who tell you otherwise are either running from themselves, trying to manipulate you into choosing sides in a game of superiority that doesn’t exist, or, most likely, a damaging mix of both. Say to those voices, “No, thank you,” and forge your own way. Stop looking among the branches for what only appears at the roots. Go quiet. Sink deep. Find truth. Take what you need. Open your eyes. Live your life. Mary Oliver said: “The instructions for living a life: Pay attention, be astonished, talk about it.”

So onward, dear friend. Find your deep knowing, as only you can. May you find your centre, your gravitational force, that place of stillness, groundedness, that feels like home, heaven and adventure all at the same time. May you give yourself the permission to show up to here and now as you are with what you have, no projecting, no hiding, just being. May you be intimate and vulnerable with yourself and God, greeting the wisdom that blooms in this holy place with a tender kiss. Finally, may you learn to love yourself true, love yourself home, love yourself free.

Words of health and healing from Liz Melani, The Practice Co- This weekly series is called Find Your Deep Knowing. Here’s a Journal Prompt: Think about a decision you have to make. Notice how your body reacts to different ideas or suggestions about what you should do. Pay attention to the way your heart races or your blood zings. Take that decision inward. In love, be curious about it, rather than afraid. Wrap that decision and figuring out what to do in love- this is how you’ll find your way through.