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Time in the darkness

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Spending time in the darkness can be more healing than we think.

A few weeks ago, I gave an assignment to journal in the dark and then again in the light. Emotions are different in the dark. Some of us feel at peace with the quiet stillness while others are fearful of what they cannot see. There are so many references in the bible about coming into the light, seeing the light, being the light so it is no wonder that we want to avoid the dark moments of our life. Yet like the rising phoenix ascending out of the ashes, darkness is a part of the healing process. It is a part of life. It is in those dark moments that the truths are revealed though sometimes in a very painful way. Pain is a part of our growth. It is an experience and helps to create the building blocks of our life.

I just finished reading a wonderful book called The Afterlife of Billy Fingers by Annie Kagan. The premise of the book is that when Annie’s brother dies, he comes back to her and describes his experience as a soul and then a spirit. He guides her healing through his description of feeling absolute pure love and bliss. As Billy transitions through various stages of light to darkness or what he calls nothingness, there is no fear, but rather oneness with the Source of all creation. There is a wonderful line in the book, “Don’t overlook the riches contained in the darkness…………In hardships you’re forced to stand alone, and standing alone prepares you for becoming the Universe.” Wow! We also know that even in those moments that we feel alone, we are not. We have always been and will always be one with the universe, each other, and God, which are all one.

I have feared the dark my entire life. I have hated to be home alone, out alone, or in the dark anywhere. I have feared what I do not know. I have let myself be a victim of the dark thinking that something would get me if I were in the dark. Something did get me. It was nothing to fear though. It was the truth of God’s presence in everything including the darkest moments of our life. If we just take the time to feel God’s presence when we are in our darkest moments, the light would emerge. There is always light even in the darkest places and hardest moments and from there we grow and rise up higher than we ever imagined. So do not rush out of the darkness. Find comfort, peace, and wholeness in the space you are in. Don’t push yourself to get out. See the bigger purpose. Be the bigger purpose.

 

Quite possibly, your darkness could bring light to the world

~ your inner guide

 

Voyage to HEAL Weekly Task

Stretch: If you desire, complete this stretch in the dark or with your eyes closed. Place your feet together and turn your toes slightly out. Squat down as far as you can keeping your heels on the floor.  Feel a wonderful stretch in the ankles and calves. It is ok to hold on to something for support. Slowly let yourself sink down more and more leading with your breathe. Let your whole body soften and surrender to this stretch.

Exercise: Keeping the pose above, activate your core, and rise up and down 10x. Feel free to add your arms in a flowing up and down motion. Try to keep your heels on the ground. Yep, we are doing ballet. ( :

Habitual Correction: Do you stand with your toes turned out? Many people do. Become aware of this habit and gradually, not all at once, try to turn your feet forward. You may need to stretch your gluteal muscles (the butt muscles) to allow your feet to turn forward. Your pelvis may also be out of alignment forcing you to modify your stance. This is why I say not to force this position. Feel where your body grabs when you bring your feet forward and stretch this area.

Perspective Enlightenment: Darkness is my friend

Journal option: In the darkness, God and I are one and I hear………..


This week’s blog post coincides with week 2 of the Voyage to HEAL which focuses on I am safe. I encourage you to listen to this meditation as you hold the stretch. I would love your thoughts on this post. Please feel free to comment in the space below.

Godspeed on your Voyage to HEAL learning Healthy Everyday Activities for Life.

Love,

Jocelyn

 

 

 

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  1. Lori
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    Dear Jocelyn, Our country is in a period of darkness at this time. As you said, “…in these dark moments that the truths are revealed.” Yes, we are in pain with what is going on, but hopefully there are, “…riches in the darkness…” as people realize what we almost lost. God is always with us in light and darkness. Your blog and song, “Bridge over Troubled Waters,” really opened up deep meditative experiences for me. Your blog this week is so well chosen. Thank you for your insight.