When the Sun is Low

When the sun is low we continue our inward journey, gathering in communities large and small around the world as the Jewish people have done for generations. The chazzan will chant Kol Nidrei, all vows. The energy will shift from one of excitement in greeting our friends to one of solemn introspection. We will refrain from eating and drinking even a sip of water from sunset to sunset (except for children and those who are infirmed or with-child) in an attempt to stay focused, to not be drawn into trivial conversations ‘round a table. This is a time to really step inside ones own heart, to see our lives with clarity, to ask for forgiveness and forgive, to listen for guidance deep within. 

I was talking with a friend earlier today. We were discussing a universal phenomenon we have both noticed personally, and in speaking with others as well. Autumn, for many people, even with its riot of color, is a season of turning inward. Many feel a sense of grieving. Our inner lives reflect nature. Leaves fall from the trees laying them bare, so too with our selves. We shiver in the chill, exposed a little more each day as our own “leaves” of expectation, of who we thought we were, wanted to be, reveal who we are in this moment. Sometimes we like what we see. Sometimes it frightens us. Sometimes we have to just be with that, with that fear, that discomfort. Sometimes we need to look attentively at our skeletal core and trust that the raw, naked feeling will also fall away in time; that we, like the earth will blossom anew. But right now, in this moment, perhaps we feel the chill of exposure. And that’s really an ok place to be, a sacred space, even if it is temporarily painful or confusing. 

I have not been visiting many blogs lately, as I am in the midst of feeling "tender," as the friend I mentioned above might say. I'm spending a lot of time in silence, reflecting, and being with my autumn blue emotions. I appreciate all of your comments so much, your kindness warms my heart. I just need to say that, and to let you know that I will try to visit more as my mood shifts; in time I know that it will, it always does. When the sun is low we continue our inward journey.

Yom Kippur begins at sunset this Friday evening. Gmar Chatima Tovah. May we all be sealed in the Book of Life, blessed with sweet moments of awareness and gratitude.

Bits and Pieces

bits and pieces

less

more

the wholeness of

who and what

we are

raw

beauty

detritus

fragmented

nothing

everything

living

dying

with each breath

we are

bits and pieces

less

more

continuous transformation of

who and what

we are

loved

insignificant

do we matter?

we are matter and

we are energy collected

one day to be scattered

forever

connected

decaying

becoming

nothing

everything

bits and pieces

more or less

no one

ONENESS

linking to my talented poet friends @:

d'Verse

 Emily  @

and Clytie @

 

Yom Kippur, the day of At-one-ment is drawing near. I remain in a contemplative internal space, tired too from this past weekend of travel to be with family and friends observing and celebrating Rosh Hashanah. As I was writing the poem above Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), the book we will read during Sukkot, a little over a week from now, came to mind. There is a time for everything. Everything changes. This is life unfolding. This is how life is.

Autumn Weeds

Life is hard sometimes; this is true for all living things. 

AND still, there are autumn weeds, bursting forth with surprising loveliness everywhere. 

Before long,the weeds will brown and fold beneath the weight of winter snow. Frost graffiti upon windows will then inspire us, offering prisms of light in the mornings.  

In the Jewish calendar, we are in the midst of Yomim Noraim, the Days of Awe. I am humbled by the beauty of this world, awed by the mystery of life, grateful for the ability to see clearly, to breathe, to walk for short distances, to speak, to hear, to listen, to taste, to love, to learn, to give, to receive, to be present to the Presence of Holiness when I stop and pay attention. 

 

To read some other thoughts on finding these wild flowering weeds in my garden please visit: Buddha Chick Life, a gathering place of inspiration from the hearts of women.

We are still away visiting family and friends in PA. I'll have some time to visit your blogs next week from home:-) Thank you for all of the beautiful New Year blessings.