Image by Jan Richardson https://www.janrichardson.com/
Psychologist Jonathan Adler speaks about the importance of the way we tell our stories and its impact on wellbeing. He defines two directions of story: contamination and redemption. The same story- for example a car accident- could be remembered and integrated in different ways. You may think- oh, that accident was the worst experience of my life and I live in fear that something like that may happen to me again. Or you may recall the EMS worker who helped you at the scene, and the chicken soup from your kind neighbor… and honor that your life was spared. These are different ways to tell the same story, and each storyline effects the way you perceive the world.
In my work in the past on the cancer center, I listened to many ways that people tell their story of living with cancer. One woman talked about her diagnosis as being the “pivotal turning point toward healing.” Others were energized by “raging against the dying of the light” (William Blake, the poet). Your unique way of interpretation has empowering impact. This does not negate the importance of grief, brokenness, and despair which are very real and absolutely imbedded in an authentic telling of experience.
The liturgical season of Lent begins this week. For me it is a time of remembering as the prophet Joel says that I can- “return to God who is gracious and merciful.” Or as Psalm 51 says- I can trust that in me a “clean heart” can be created, and a “renewed spirit” within me will be restored. These themes of redemption and healing are part of the way of the cross that this tradition embodies. The trajectory of this sacred story can be interpreted as evil and despairing, yet there is also a coinciding message of grace and mercy.
Some people on Ash Wednesday choose to receive the sign of the cross on their foreheads. This year Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day. The alignment of love with repentance and brokenness is stark. When we hear the words, “From dust you have come, and to dust you shall return” it echoes the truth that we are all mortal. We will die. We will grieve. We will err and lose our way. Nevertheless, the sign of the cross promises that despite these true markers of limitation, that healing will also be woven into the story.
Maybe this Lenten season you will be inspired to try out a new spiritual or contemplative practice. You are welcome to join Anne and me in our session next week Poetry Beyond the Pews where we will read and respond to the work of two local poets. https://wayopeningworkshops.org/contact/. Or maybe you will take a daily walk in the pace of gratitude. Or, falling asleep, you will remind yourself of forgiveness and reassurance. That you too are a part of the sacred story of universal redemption.
Way Opening Workshops 