Paradox
Walking by the water this week, there was as much rain as sunshine. Every picture I snapped reminded me of the ways that darkness and light meet one another, each offering its opportunity to highlight and shadow and bring the other to life.
Like the paradox of living that Thomas Merton describes when he writes, “I find myself traveling toward my destiny in the belly of a paradox,” life has not, as I’ve experienced it, been an “either, or” proposition.
This trip I’m on is an example. Darkness and light, paradox. Because of some strange and challenging circumstance, nothing this week has been as planned or expected. That has been hard, sad, frustrating. And also special.
Parker Palmer wisely wrote, “Reframing life in terms of paradox became a lifesaver. It helped me understand that three devastating experiences of deep darkness—as dark for me as it was for Jonas inside the belly of that whale—did not negate the light that’s also part of who I am…to be whole, I must be able to say that I am both shadow and light.”
Sometimes I don’t notice the contrast quite so much—not in myself or the world. But this week, I have felt both in big ways. As I approached the beach to walk this morning, storm clouds loomed on one side of the street. On the other, bright sunshine. The combination made a huge, sky-wide double rainbow possible. The woman I met walking as quickly as I to avoid the oncoming rain smiled wide as the rainbow. “Isn’t it incredible?” she asked, delightedly. A few minutes later, the sky opened over both of us and the rainbow was absorbed into the darkened sky.
I have felt both unmoored and deeply disappointed, and also amazed and at peace. I long for simplicity and predictability, to make plans and watch them come to fruition. And I love the surprise of shared rainbows, too. Those moments can’t be planned.
I’m not at home to create and offer a yoga class this week; however, I wanted to share some beauty with you, and a reminder that there’s still time to Embrace Delight with me in Portugal this September-October.
I couldn’t agree with this more. Immersed in another culture, away from the daily grind, I find myself with a new understanding and perspective that I get to bring home and make a part of me. Join me! The code above is no longer active, but I can provide you with your own by reaching out to me at jalayoga.christa@gmail.com. Learn more, see pictures of our time in Italy, and sign up here: Embrace Delight in Sagre, Portugal