Shake up, Wake up

    In Bali I am observed a cremation process. The body of the deceased was placed on top of a high wooden tower called a “horse. “ Every few minutes along the way to the cremation ground, the pallbearers broke into shouts of glee and laughter and twirled the horse, with the body fastened to its apex, in circles. When I asked a local fellow about the purpose of this ritual, he explained that the pallbearers spun the bier to confuse the deceased’s spirit so it could not find its way back to the body, and thus hasten the soul on its journey  to the next life.

    From time to time, life shakes us up, twirling or even destroying the foundation we’ve built. Such an experience can be quite disorienting – and it is supposed to be. The purpose of change beyond our control is to shake us up so we must hasten to a new direction.

    Like the soul that has left the body of the deceased, we may not be able to find our way back to our past base. But the past is dead, and there is no reason to return. We are free to move on to discover a new life in a new world. Upheaval is a gift of love. When it comes, ask to see the blessing in what you’re being forced to release, to make way for something new and better.

Alan Cohen’s A Deep Breath of Life, February 21

May this message inspire you day and your week.

Blessings now and always,
Rev. Sandy