Soul
Bank
“I know
that life is richer with a spiritual side to it.”
Mary
Oliver
In Spirituality Group
last night, we discussed death. Yes, death; and not in a morbid,
anxious or terrified way—we spoke of the awareness of death, and
how that affects the way we live our lives. But what I want to write
about this morning is how much I appreciate having a group of people
who are willing to talk about death—or any other subject that is
typically not part of casual conversation. Having a place where we
can gather to talk about soul-stuff, about the ways that spirit is active
in our lives, and not feel embarrassed to admit our beliefs, and our
doubts, is a gift of untold value. I come away from every gathering
knowing myself better—the good, the bad, and the truly ugly. I am
nourished by their stories, and what they evoke in me. I hope you
have a community like that.
Poet, Mary Oliver, says
that the word “soul” has become cliché. That it is spoken of, and
written about too often. She prefers “that silky part of
ourselves.” In discussing where her poetry comes from, she
described it this way: “...part of the psyche that works in concert
with consciousness and supplies a necessary part of the poem—a
heart of the star as opposed to the shape of the star—exists in a
mysterious, unmapped zone, not conscious, not subconscious, but
cautious.” That is to say, often words come to and through her that
are not of her. She catches them, and writes them down. Building a
relationship between that “silky part” and our ordinary
consciousness requires discipline. It must learn to trust us, and we
must learn to trust it, and we must be true to its guidance.
I call that part
Spirit—perhaps also cliché, but since I cannot do better, I will
use it. Life without the depth of spirituality would be for me like
being on a rubber raft in the middle of the ocean—clinging to the
surface, while fearing what might rain down from above, or rise up
from beneath. Spirituality is, in fact, an anchor in an uncharted zone—we must each map it for ourselves. I am so grateful that I
have a group of people with whom to explore the territory.
In the Spirit,
Jane
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