Inner geography

I'm not especially fond of the colors in this one, but because it looked to me like the parting of the Red Sea, they seemed to be appropriate choices.   But the people aren't Israelites, escaping, they're simply investigating -- which tied in nicely with today's reading from  The Promise of a New Day:

"Getting to know our inner geography, our own pattern of needs and fears, is never dangerous.  The danger lies in refusing to know.  We can't build solid self-confidence on ignorance and mistrust of ourselves; only by loving ourselves and acknowledging our kinship with needy, fearful humanity can we grow as individuals."

When we first begin to consider things like meditation, spiritual direction, and therapy, there is often this fear that some dreadful truth, something overwhelmingly scary or disgusting will be revealed.  And thinking about this, and about that image we all carry, of the Israelites standing at the edge of the Red Sea, and the waters parting to reveal a path to the other side, I see what a wonderful metaphor that can be for the process of self-exploration.

From the edge of the water, it looks terrifyingly deep; we wouldn't even dream of wading in if we weren't being pursued by our own demons.  But if we trust enough to embark, the waters will part; we'll have a chance to examine the ground beneath those overwhelming thoughts and feelings and responses, and, if we stay on the path, we will arrive safe and unharmed at some other, safer shore.  And -- the good news -- is we don't have to do it alone. 

... which brings me to another thing I wanted to say this morning: I am so grateful for all of you, my companions on the path.  Thank you for being willing to explore with me; I really do appreciate your company!