For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
~ Kahlil Gibran, artist and poet.
Solar Courage
Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister
It takes a lot of courage to be human.
I realised this universal truth during a workshop I attended, Primal Spirituality Six: Courage. It is the sixth in a series of seven workshops offered by the Emissaries of Divine Light at Sunrise Ranch.
As humans, we hold some divine gifts, or coping mechanisms, cleverly embedded in the design of our human being-ness. We have a remarkable anatomy that facilitates life. Still, more than that, we have a magical unseen energy system that animates our physical bodies and interfaces with our spiritual presence to create an entire world—a Self.
Eastern philosophies teach that metaphysically speaking, the solar plexus, located just below the diaphragm, is powered by the sun—the main source of our human energy. The word “solar” means the sun, and “plexus” means a network or system. Therefore, “solar plexus” may then be interpreted as your “network of the sun.” Imagine sunbeams streaming from a central source.
In striving to develop spiritual maturity, I have found it helpful to picture this powerful inner sun beaming outward, radiating my spiritual essence out into my world and setting me up for the joy of unexpected miracles on my path. I have often said that the sun is my soulmate, and I am only half joking! For me, the sun holds the essence of Spirit and symbolises the quality of courage because it continues to shine no matter what. Sometimes, the sun is temporarily hidden by clouds, but it always returns and beams again even more brightly. I remember Linda Tucker, Keeper of the White Lions (the royal embodiment of courage), pointing out that the sun and a lion are often indistinguishable in children’s drawings.
When the small sun/lion within the solar plexus is strengthened and encouraged to radiate its unconditional love to the world, it becomes both our shining presence in the world and our sacred protection. It illuminates our path and hints at an other-worldly strength, conquering darkness and inexorably staving off anything that is not love.
Looking back, I recognise how often I found my way forward by embracing my own courage and (sometimes consciously) turning up the light of my inner sun and celebrating the radiant current that flows from the Source of Life through me and warms my world.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Thank you so much, Sara, Eastern philosophy, and especially Rev. Berry. Long may (y)our inner sun shine, intensify, and bless/heat/provide gravitational orientation for our worlds. Love, Tom C.
Thank you so much, Rev. Berry! As I sit in the warmth and glow of the Sun this morning, I am reminded from your words that I can bring the warmth and glow from the Sun within me into our world. “Let there be
light.”
Thank you – somehow – during my now – long life – bravery seems to have waned – not sure how or why or when – and yet I know for sure – even though I have been through all of the Primal workshops in the past – I will also definitely be there in the future – you just can’t receive too much Good!!
In the wisdom of the creator, I enter spiritual retreat again and consciously release the caterpillar that I’ve been. Shedding can only occur with the inner and outer solar Sun. I go, and continue to go for everything in Life increasingly fearlessly. Yet with pace and balance and common sense, with you all, in awe of all living being.
8 Responses
Thank you so much, Sara, Eastern philosophy, and especially Rev. Berry. Long may (y)our inner sun shine, intensify, and bless/heat/provide gravitational orientation for our worlds. Love, Tom C.
Thank you Tom for your kind encouragement!
Roarrrrrrrr! Thank you
much love, Anne Lise
Roarrrring makes me smile! Thank you Anne-Lise xxx
Thank you so much, Rev. Berry! As I sit in the warmth and glow of the Sun this morning, I am reminded from your words that I can bring the warmth and glow from the Sun within me into our world. “Let there be
light.”
Thank you Jeannie, keep shining xxx
Thank you – somehow – during my now – long life – bravery seems to have waned – not sure how or why or when – and yet I know for sure – even though I have been through all of the Primal workshops in the past – I will also definitely be there in the future – you just can’t receive too much Good!!
In the wisdom of the creator, I enter spiritual retreat again and consciously release the caterpillar that I’ve been. Shedding can only occur with the inner and outer solar Sun. I go, and continue to go for everything in Life increasingly fearlessly. Yet with pace and balance and common sense, with you all, in awe of all living being.