Deserts are real places, and they also are metaphors. Real deserts present such an ecological extreme that they readily serve as symbols for many aspect of human life: an empty place, a place without a lot of resources, a place where are lives are tenuous and in the balance.
But the metaphor isn’t just about negatives. Deserts also remarkable places of resilience, surprises, and striking beauty. I was talking to a friend the other day who he said serving in strapped educational contexts is like being in the desert — yes, it’s challenging, but there are all kinds of unexpected treasures if you have your mind and heart open to them. He said he prefers that kind of work rather than being in places that have lots of ready resources.
Mystics of all kinds over the centuries have been drawn to the desert, too. There, we can have a more direct experience of reality, with little between us and transcendent forces, and we perhaps learn how to be more humble, caring, grateful, and resilient.
Next week, the Western Constellations Intensive gathers in the red rock desert of Northern New Mexico. (There’s still room! Join us!) For years, we’ve gathered in the comparatively verdant regions of Northern California, among Redwoods, Oak forests, neighborhoods rich with glorious gardens, and the often constant mist of the Bay Area. Not this year! It’s a big change, and it will surely shape our gathering in ways we cannot know predict.
The Land has its impact and demands on us, always. The desert in particular says, listen! see! pay attention! And this, of course, is constellation work, too. We are told to see clearly what is, to honor it, to bring our full attention to loss, fear, and rage, but also beauty, endurance, and the greatness of life.
How is the desert showing up and speaking in your life? How might there be wisdom and unexpected life showing up there for you. I invite you to share on my blog below.
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