Monday, June 20, 2011

Conversations with the Elders: Sacred Space

Conversations with the Elders

Sacred Space
June 17, 2011

I was having one of those weeks.  You know the kind of week that is filled with wonderful moments and not so wonderful moments.  When I say, “filled,” I am not talking about one or two moments.  There were several telephone calls with clients and friends that were more than idol chitchat, a radio interview about my relationship with my father, a stimulating conference call with my students, and a powerful weekend retreat.   Collectively, those moments were uplifting and inspiring. 

And then there was the one telephone call that singly turned that smile in my heart upside down, well almost.  Life is an up and down ride.  This week just happened to be one of those rides at warp speed.  Did I mention that there are two days left in this week?

It is times like these that I remember the blessing of the Elders in my life.  Today, I am choosing to visit them, not to cry on their shoulders.  They will not support that behavior.  However, I am going so that I am in the sacred space of, in and around their cabin.  I am going, to be in their loving and caring and non-judging and nurturing presence.  It is time for a journey.

I arrive at the Elder’s cabin on a morning that feels like the touch of late Spring.  There is the scent of new flowers, a gentle warm breeze, and the music of baby birds singing “feed me, feed me” to their parents.  Yes, late Spring. 

Today, I am drawn to enter the cabin from the rear.  I walk around the cabin and stop at the base of the stairs leading to the deck.  I pause and look out into the woods beyond the cabin.  I don’t think I am being called there; however, I sense something.  I smile, knowing that clarity will come soon, very soon.

I walk up the stairs, and then in the cabin through the back door. 

I am greeted with “Hello, young –old man,” from the Elder of Air.  He plays the role of the trickster of the group.  And he enjoys it way too much.

“Hello,” I reply as I take my seat at the table.  The four Elders are seated around the table, I sense waiting for my arrival, as usual. 

The Elder of Earth sips from his cup of something hot and says, “So you are having one of those weeks are you.  What makes this different than any other week for you?  You love drama and chaos and creating such situations in order to figure things out.”

I just love it when they speak truth, straight to the point, and with no sympathy.

The Elder of Fire responds to my thought, “You do not need sympathy.  You need to go where you are truly being called rather than come here.  We love to see you.  However, this visit is really a distraction.”

I just love it when they speak truth, straight to the point, and with no sympathy.

The Elder of Earth looks me dead in the eyes with that stern but we love you look and says, “You can go to the cave or go to the garden.  You have a choice.  Either place is a call for you to be authentic, and connect to your highest self.  Either place is a call to be the light.  Right now you are trying to hide.”

The Elder of Earth continues, “Young-old man, go stand in your light.  This, the Elders’ cabin, is a refuge for you and will always be a safe and special place for you.  But, the cave or the garden, either place, is your sacred space.  It is the place where your highest self is fully realized.  Go and be the light.”

I just love it when they speak truth, straight to the point, and with no sympathy.

We rise up from the table, and head outside.  The Elders walk with me, in silence, to the edge of the woods.  This is where they stop; and, this is when I enter the woods. 

I was in the woods for what seemed like a few moments and several steps.  Yet magically, I emerge in a distant land.  I stand at the base of a mountain just beneath the cave.  I guess my higher self chose the cave.  I climb the mountain to the entrance of the cave, my cave.  Once I reach my cave, I sit down at the edge and look out over creation and the world.  I begin to feel his presence, him being the personification of my higher self.

I look out over the land, breathing, embracing my light, breathing, reflecting on my week, breathing and knowing that the sun will rise tomorrow.


Copyright © 2011 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved

Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.
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"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."
 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer
Visions of the Heart
www.visionsoftheheart.org