Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash
I remember when I first learned about the perspective shift from what became known as the "Dark Ages" into "The Age of Enlightenment".
The point that always stood out to me was about the loss of a 'magical perspective'... I remember the professor saying that people began to honor the analyzing of parts more highly than the mystery of the whole. For example, the phenomenon of a rainbow became less mysterious and seemingly miraculous in peoples' minds when it was recognized that it is simply water droplets and light.
But what else have we lost in our release of the mystery?
I think we have lost our unbridled joy.
I see it in our disdain for imagination. Sure, we "appreciate" the capacity in kids, but for adults the term "imaginary" connotes an unworthy and unproductive way to spend your precious mental energy.
But did you know that when we create from joy and imagination, the results are far longer-lasting and transformative than when we create from will and toil?
The beautiful (and relieving) thing is that we never truly lose our capacity to imagine and experience joy. We can absolutely dull our senses and banish imagination to the realms of anxiety so that its only function is to make vivid our fears...
...but we ALWAYS have the power to call joy and imagination back to their rightful place of dignity in our lives.
And the truth is - rainbows are SO much more than only rain + light... and knowing its alchemy doesn't diminish the awe of its presence!
Have you ever SEEN an unexpected rainbow?
They stop you in your tracks!
People gather to take photos because they remind us of magic and mystery and the hope that comes after storms.
Photo by Mark Olsen on Unsplash
This morning, I was delightfully interrupted by a family of tiny goldfinches outside my office window.
Some Native Americans see the Goldfinch as a symbol of unbridled joy, inspiration, motivation, and positivity. The song of the Goldfinch can represent self-expression. And in some tribes, it portends prosperity or liberation - the ability to be yourself without constraint.
In fact, there are legends about the Goldfinch in Christianity, ancient Egypt, and other cultures that all associate this striking bird with sacred joy, abundance, and a reminder that our souls are held by the divine.
Today, I challenge you to lean into your sacred imagination, and give yourself permission to reclaim an unbridled joy.
Rainbows are more than only rain + light.
And if you choose to be curious about the stories creation is telling you, something stunning and inspiring will always be made available to you.
May you be delightfully encountered
by unbridled joy today.
With gratitude,
Are you longing to awaken your dulled senses like playful imagination, unbridled joy, sacred intuition, holy rage, or creative fire?
I'd love to work with you in my one-on-one coaching experience, REWILDED.
Claim your no-cost 'Glimpses of Your Wild' Session to get started today.
Want to reconnect with the sacred in your everyday through practices, recipes, reflections, and prompts? Check out SACRED™️ Magazine.
SACRED™️ magazine is all about remembering the everyday magic of being human. Every issue of SACRED™️ contains beautiful art, reflective writing, poetry, music, recipes, and rituals for recovering our connection to sacred experience in our lives.
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Spring 2022 | Viriditas Issue:
‘Viriditas’ is the healing greening power of the divine found in nature. This issue highlights the coming-back-to-life quality embedded in creation through contemplative and informative articles on topics such as compost, minimalism, intuitive eating, and gardening, as well as offering templates for rituals, recipes, and reflection.
This item is a Digital Issue of Sacred™️ Magazine.
