Moving Forward: Way Opening...Way Closing

One of the more frustrating parts of the spiritual life can be discerning the signs or hearing the voice within that moves us along the path on our journey. We may be feeling stuck, or dissatisfied, longing for something more, or ready to give birth to a new life in some way. These feelings are all related to awakenings within and once the nudge for something more begins, we also begin to feel restless, trying on new ideas, maybe jumping into new arenas too quickly, desperate to find what’s next.

Discernment of the Spirit leading us often is a slow process. It takes time to awaken, to stretch out the soul and take a deep yawn to open up the heart and make way for something new. We have to rub our eyes to make sure we see clearly. Then as we look for the open door to the new awakening, we may fumble through the hallway trying to find our way.

Author Parker Palmer notes in his book Let Your Life Speak, that the Quaker discernment tradition says, “Way will open.” But during one season of discernment in his life he said, “Way may open for other people but it sure isn’t opening for me.” A wise friend advised, “way” may not ever open, but a lot of “way” closes behind us and has the same effect of guiding us forward toward our awakenings.

What is closing behind you during this season of your life? What long-held habits or traditions are no longer life-giving? If you imagine life without these old ways, what new paths might open to you? What do you need to do to release the old habit, attitude, or hurt? And how is God present there?

If you are in the midst of discernment, a spiritual director can be a great companion in the process of discovery. I’d love to journey with you on that path. If it’s time for the next step, feel free to contact me to talk about the possibility of spiritual direction. You can sign up for an appointment here, or simply send me an e-mail to begin the conversation.