Hello all,
There is a story that runs across many cultures in which an awakened child, an enlightened child, is born and immediately their life is in danger. This story, most notably in the west, is the story of Christ the child. In which it is understood from this story that baby Jesus's life is under immediate threat from the evil King Herod.
The root of this story can be traced deeper still. In Judaism, it is the story of baby Moses who is passed down the river Nile in a basket for safekeeping. In Gaelic mythology, it is the birth story of Fionn MacCumhaill who after his father is killed, his mother gives him to the care of two Druids, Bodhmall and Liath Luachra for the first years of his life. In Native American culture, there runs a story of a similar thread. This pattern also emerges in popular culture, such as in the Harry Potter books where young Harry's life is threatened by Voldemort.
These stories depict an awakened being facing an adversarial force that seeks to destroy it.
Mythological stories are as ancient as the cultures in which they have coevolved within. They are the fabric of a culture. The stories themselves are sculpted from ancient peoples' observations between nature and the emerging patterns in spiritual development. The myths and stories offer guidance to people on how to navigate the various obstacles encountered on the Path. They offer a primodial wisdom and solace to lean into.
The story of the awakened child offers wisdom around the process of individual awakening. An aspect of life in which something awakens within you. It may be a transformational essence breaking through to open a new aspect of your being with expanded clarity and self-connection.
In your development as a healing practitioner, it may be an alignment to your life purpose, often marked with a deep sense of connection and clarity.
And as such this story speaks to the inevitable challenge that confronts you. Forces vying to metaphorically 'kill' the newly emerging self. This threat can often be reflected in self-doubt and inner criticism, with thoughts like "I am not good enough" or "I cannot do this" echoing in experience. A sense of despite your best efforts a feeling of failure as a constant companion.
Contrary to your initial reaction and aversion to this self depreciating experience, these inner critics can actually signify an authentic breakthrough. For transformation to be genuine, destructive patterns often emerge concurrently, serving as part of the journey.
How do the stories tell us how to navigate these destructive forces?
The stories of the awakening child all point to taking this newly awakened consciousness to a "safe haven." Baby Jesus is taken to Egypt for the first 7 years of his life. Enough time for King Herod to die. Fionn MacCumhaill is cared for by forest women until his coming of age, and Harry Potter is raised safely away from the magical world.
The teachings suggest caring for your awakened essence similar to nurturing a seed. If you were to directly transplant your newly germinated seed into the ground in February it would be exposed to the potentially cold and frosty weather in which it will most likely not thrive, wither and eventually die. How would it be to transplant it into a bigger pot adding, soil, water and nutrients, allowing it to grow in a greenhouse before transplanting it stronger and more robust into the ground in March?
How can I nuture my awakened essence?
You cultivate a practice of bringing yourself to your inner safe haven.
Building up a daily meditation practice, somatic practices for regulation, practicing self-compassion, cultivating a daily routine, and resting in prayer, all offer such solace.
Ken Wilber's words to "transcend and include" speak to me of the importance of integrating transcendental experiences consistently into life, to make them more consistent. Allow this seed to take deep roots within, to grow strong and healthy.
In our Visionary Craniosacral classes, we offer a learning space to experience this presence of the transformational field. We also focus on an engaged practice that over time and with practice allow you to integrate what you learn into your work as a practitioner and in your life.
To see more about our classes in Ireland and Canada this year and whether attending is the next step for you, please visit the link below.
Le beannachtaí,
Daithí
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