A Rainbow Welcome
2022 ended with hosting four grandchildren for a sleepover. 2023 began with their departure, rain, and a rainbow. And I noticed and was astonished by the brilliance of the day. Oh what might this foretell of this upcoming year?
Soon I will be departing for an adventure with my sister to the southern hemisphere for outdoor experiences including white water rafting. (The ‘why’ behind this may be explored in a subsequent blog.) Trip preparation includes obtaining appropriate gear and thus splash pants and a rain jacket are now part of my wardrobe.
New Year’s day, outfitted in my new gear, a rain walk beckoned. It felt appropriate, the cleansing rain washing away the remnants of what untethering invites. The cooler temps invigorating and breath intentional. I meandered, pausing for the water gushing through the washes, and strode briskly to invite warmth.
And then, as I looked up, a magical rainbow appeared. It looked like a humongous moon arching the horizon. Then double magic, a second rainbow slowly opened. I stood in awe – unperturbed by the chill, the rain, the elements – and fully inhabited the being in the presence.
My limited understanding implores attending to signs; not to fully grasp the significance for that turns to intellectualization. Instead, signs are to be felt and evoke a wondering - a wondering with the eyes of a child who has no need to examine, and instead allows for unfolding, revealing, in time and space.
These two verses from ‘For the Senses’ by John O’Donohue (full poem is found here.) then appeared and invited this wondering invitation to continue to spring forth.
May your inner eye
See through the surfaces
And glean the real presence
Of everything that meets you.
May your soul beautify
The desire of your eyes
That you might glimpse
The infinity that hides
In the simple sights
That seem worn
To your usual eyes.
May these words invite, initiate a pause, invoke wonder and open to the revealing that it is all right here, right now.
If you are looking for an intentional time to pause, join me on Sunday, Jan. 8th from 3:30-5:30 as we immerse in the silk (imagine a big supportive, nurturing hammock), reflect and bask in the sounds of crystal bowls and the planetary gong. To register, go here. If a time together in a small exploratory group resonates, check this monthly gathering possibility.