Season of Reflection

Whether one observes Ramadan, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Passover/Pesach, Easter, Lent, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Holy Week, or finding themselves in a place of embracing the transition brought on by the Spring Equinox, this seems to be a time of collective reflection. This is a time to view the significance of each sacred observance as an opportunity to share in the commonality of values we all embrace. From a global perspective, we all felt the impact of COVID-19.  Regardless of our socioeconomic backgrounds, we have all experienced the uncertainty and catastrophic loss associated with this new disease being introduced into our environment.  Yes, there are thoughts regarding its origin and the true validity of its effect on the environment; however, we still can't deny that an impact was made and felt. 

For many of us, we would consider that single event as a "winter" of our lives. A winter that we all shared for nearly two years.  Now, imagine our individual experiences within this timeframe. Many of us dealt with isolation, job loss, other illnesses, divorces, and the frustrations of missed birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, or the passing of loved ones. Rightfully so, some of us may feel like our individual winters were a lot colder than expected. Here we are and aligned with the times, COVID restrictions are being lifted, there is an immediate desire to move on with our lives while being mindful of not only a disease but an examination of our past experiences, and how all of this may influence our future.  It seems as if the season has changed, and so have we.  

Many of these spiritual or religious observances share the values of reflection and abstaining from everyday indulgences.  One could easily argue that this is a time for many of us to remove personal distractions that may rob us of the opportunity to be the best version of ourselves. Better yet, calling some to remember who we truly are.  Others have taken a step further to examine their personal connections, devotions, and past interactions.  Many of us are asking the following:

  • What have I paused from that I should have never started?

  • What am I purposed to do versus expected to do?

  • What commitments have I broken?

  • Am I truly happy?

  • How can I become a better version of myself?

 We are positive that there are several more questions that one may ask. The focus isn't necessarily on the query but on the positioning, the state in which these questions take us to.  That place is reflection.  This value of reflection is more than a serious thought or consideration but of contemplation coupled with self-confrontation. When the distractions and indulgences are removed, we have no choice but to seek inwardly, becoming mindful of self and intentionally aware. In short, we stripped ourselves down to a seed of endless potential.   Like Spring, we are preparing to manifest and produce all that we are capable of. Now, just imagine the impact if we stripped ourselves of the perceived differences or the anticipation of scrutiny.   Imagine the impact if we would carry the intent of this time of year, all year long.   What if we would no longer allow ourselves to be entertained by distractions of delimiting perceptions of self or the pleasure of assumptions? Imagine what we'd produce from our seeds of being intentionally aware.

Love Is A Parable- an initiative and movement that later became an organization within itself. Love is A Parable is a DBA and subsidiary of Altar and Dwelling Place, Inc. We are a charitable and an educational 501c3 organization, who provide character, social, and leadership development to those who have an aspiration toward unity, love, and kindness through a reflective thinking approach and sacred-box theory.

 

J. Dwayne Garnett, BSRT, MHA, QP
Chief Executive Officer
Love Is A Parable
Available for Empowerment Speaking Engagements, Consultations, Uncovering Sessions, and Instruction.
Find out more about J at clicking HERE!

Love Is A Parable