MARIPOSA

Giving Love Wings

Hi, friend-

I am writing this brief note to you on the fly as I begin the final week of a two-year program in spiritual formation and contemplation through The Center for Action and Contemplation.

It’s the beginning of the culmination of my time in Richard Rohr’s, The Living School. The final week of a wending two-year journey to the soul’s heart center. Our final week together before being “ sent” back in to the world to share, in some form, what we have been graced to have been given.

I can remember back in 2020, back the midst of that terrible year, the deep longing to be able to have this experience, and how earnestly and faithfully I worked on my application. I remember as well, literally bursting into tears of gratitude when I received my acceptance letter in Feb. of 2021. The thrill of our early materials arriving. That beautiful first online gathering. The richness of the experience we were so lovingly invited into as we began  this journey. The enormous gift of finding others on this path who deeply desired the same transformation. A community of fellow and sister sojourners. People with the same deep soul longing as me from all different backgrounds and locales who would study the mystics and the contemplative path. And now we enter our last chapter together.

Even though I know the learning and evolution will continue, the structure and guidance of Living School is coming to its natural conclusion. Such riches. The process was indeed transformational. I do not use that word lightly.

I am more at peace both in the Cosmos and within myself than I have ever been.

I am more capable of withstanding the Not-Knowing, Not Having All The Answers. I did get answers, just not necessarily what I expected. Or in the way I expected them. ( I hope your smiling along with me. Life does seem to work that way, doesn’t it?) I am for once at some peace in knowing what I can never know.

I received a new way of SEEING and BEING in the world, in my life, and relationships. A deeper trust. A contemplative approach to my life and experience and creativity. An ability to sit with paradox and lean into the great mystery of it all. And so much more. I am more convinced of and more anchored to the Love that is loving me through and through, even as, and especially because of, my inability to live that love fully.

I am not loved in spite of my humanness, I am loved all the more for it.

As are you.

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Thank you in advance for your prayers this week, friend.

Much love,

XO Mary