Observations
on the Path
"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, even if I have said it...unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." --Buddha
 In some of the tales about King Arthur, the hero--and in older source materials, a heroine—encounters a forbidding chapel on their quest. The chapel contains trials of body, mind and spirit and initiates who pass the tests emerge changed and in possession of new tools and new understandings.
Unlike a Dark Night of the Soul, which is precipitated by internal shifts, we may encounter a Chapel Perilous when external imbalances can no longer be ignored: a pandemic, social unrest, environmental disasters. If you find yourself in a Chapel Perilous, remember first that you are not alone. Others have been there before you; reach out for their help and inspiration. Then, take stock of your gifts. Discern how to best utilize them during this challenge. Allocate resources wisely. And, finally, stay present. It may be tempting to expend energy on superficial distractions, but keeping focused will serve you better. Initiatory experiences like a Chapel Perilous contain both opportunity and ordeal. When you emerge--and you will emerge—may you have made the most of the transformation. I look forward to meeting you on the Spiral Path. Gratitude to JAN W. for the image from Pixabay. |
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