I love this time of year, beginning with the crispness in the October breezes, then the changing of colors, first the leaves of the trees, then the tree bark emerges in silvers and grays and browns as the camouflage of foliage dissipates. But as we get closer to the winter solstice it is the light that moves me, inducing feelings of awe, wonder and even excitement, as childhood memories of sledding and holidays come to mind. As the sun is so low in the sky all day, its setting at twilight takes much longer, creating the autumnal phenomenon of the gloaming. The light seems to shimmer and its reflections, especially off of wet leaves and rippling streams, have a twinkling star-like quality. It is truly a magical time of Nature’s year.
In his book The Sabbath the Jewish theologian Abraham Heschel seems to invoke mindfulness as he describes how it is Time, rather than Space, that is made Sacred in Judaism. Here are two quotes from The Sabbath that capture that idea:
“Holiness in space, in nature, was known in other religions. New in the teaching of Judaism was that the idea of holiness was gradually shifted from space to time (italics added), from the realm of nature to the realm of history, from things to events.”
He goes on to say that “the higher goal of spiritual living is not to amass a wealth of information, but to face sacred moments.”
If our intentionality is to live mindfully then we begin by shifting our experience of “the Sacred” from objects to the moment, to this moment. And in so doing the potential for Sacred encounter is unlimited; every person and every event may become a Sacred experience. Each breath, each sound, each body sensation, each arising thought….In sum, each moment encountered mindfully, whether meditating, walking, doing yoga, or just sitting and contemplating, may bring blessings.
This time of year, with its own peculiar brand of Beauty, is a time that seems to show its holiness with great ease. How can you miss it when it is so beautiful?
As we plunge into the holiday season, with its potential for distraction and stress, perhaps each of us could set aside time each day to witness to the Sacred in our lives. Life is often difficult, but practicing this capacity to stop, notice, stay present, and accept might make each moment more memorable and even satisfying.
Best wishes for the Holiday Season!
James M. Walsh Pastoral Counseling 