Get Out of Your Own Way

NOTE: This was originally published in our bi-weekly e-newsletter, Liminal Spaces. To get future issues delivered to your inbox, sign up here.

Once upon a time, two Buddhist monks, one a senior and the other a novice, went on a journey. Several days into their journey, they approached a raging river. On the bank stood a young lady who was concerned about how to cross the river without drowning. The young monk walked straight past her without giving her so much as a thought, jumped into the river, and quickly swam to the other side. The elder monk, however, walked over to the woman, picked her up, and carried her across to the other side. He placed her down, they parted ways, and on the two monks went on their journey.

Several hours later, the senior monk could see concern on the face of his pupil, so he asked him what was wrong. The junior monk replied, “Sir, how could you carry that woman like that? You know we are not allowed to touch women, it is against our vows and commonly held beliefs.” And the elder answered, “Brother, I sat that woman down on the river’s edge hours ago, why are you still carrying her?” 

Our own spiritual journeys can be similar. How often do we continue to carry the burden of legalism, certainty, self-righteousness, judgment, or even toxic beliefs well into our spiritual pilgrimage? How many times have we been unable to move forward because we are desperately clinging to fear, the need for control, or the refusal to let go of a person or belief we should have put down years ago? But Jesus tells us His yoke is easy and His burden is light. 

Thankfully, we are entering the annual season of letting go. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, a 40-day journey of self-denial, preparing our hearts to meet the risen Lord on Easter morning. From the Anglo-Saxon word “Lencten,” Lent means “long” or “to lengthen,” referring to the increasing hours of sunlight as springtime creeps ever nearer and winter retreats back from which she came. Yet it is a dark, penitent season of shedding. Father Richard Rohr reminds us, “All great spirituality is about letting go,” freeing ourselves from anything keeping us from intimate union with God. 

Whether you plan to observe Lent or have no desire to participate in Church traditions, let this be a time of letting go. What do you need to put down, to no longer carry? What burden is hindering your spiritual freedom?

LET’S GROW TOGETHER

Last May, we launched the Sophia Society as a safe place for spiritual seekers to explore, experience, and cultivate intimate union with God. Beyond the creation of Liminal Spaces, we’ve launched our Holy Heretics podcast, published an e-book (Faith Deconstruction 101), and created an expanding digital library of essays providing timely conversations about faith and culture. We even have plans to launch masterclasses in spiritual formation this summer! But to continue, we need your partnership. As a small non-profit, we rely exclusively on your gifts to continue our mission. And here’s the good news: A little goes a long way! We don’t require millions of dollars to continue our mission, but simply the faithful support of fellow travelers who want to see others transformed. Will you join us by making your gift today? Your monthly contribution will help us secure the $5,000 needed each month to sustain our expanding ministry. If 100 of our readers pledged $50/month, we would easily meet our needs. Simply click here to make your recurring gift today! 

WHAT WE’RE READING, LISTENING TO, WATCHING

Melanie

• Listening to: Multisensory Aesthetic Experience by Mae

• Watching: Public Trust documentary

Gary Alan

• Listening to: Far from the Madding Crowd soundtrack

• Watching: All Creatures Great and Small (Masterpiece/PBS)

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