The Commander and the Commanded
Daily Dose of Emily D
“The Moon is distant from the Sea –
And yet, with Amber Hands –
She leads Him – docile as a Boy –
Along appointed Sands –
He never misses a Degree –
Obedient to Her eye –
He comes just so far – toward the Town –
Just so far – goes away –
Oh, Signor, Thine, the Amber Hand –
And mine – the distant Sea –
Obedient to the least command
Thine eye impose on me –”
Daily Scripture Reading
Anchor Verse
“For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes”
Meditation
Transcript
There is a dynamic relationship between commander and the commanded. Even from a distance, there is a gravitational pull creating a kinesthetic union between these inseparable opposites. As we move through this life, we are called to fill each of these opposing roles, maybe even during the course of a day. Consider the moon. While passively receiving the light of the sun, she commands the sea with all of her weight. Also, think of the centurion in today’s scripture and his description of how authoritative he is in his household. And yet, even in all of his authoritative ways, he submits to Jesus fully and waits on his word. And he does this, not for his own healing, but for the healing of his servant. Jesus is amazed by this man, and we can learn from him. Also, reflect. Jesus too, is clearly the authoritative figure of this passage. He says “Go,” and people go. However, on the boat, he is sleeping. When his followers wake him because of fear of a storm, he is disappointed in them, thinking that they should have solved the problem without him. We need to flow with ease as we work with the push and the pull of our active and passive nature, at times leading and at times submitting.
This type of interchange generates movement, and the flow is healing. Think of standing water. If left too long, we label it as stagnate and know it to be toxic. Think of enclosed air. If there is not a ventilation system in place to allow for air flow, it becomes stale. Our bodies too, depend on our pumps which regulate this active and passive interplay. Our hearts and our lungs know all about this dance of push and pull. With every beat of our heart, there is an active DA and a passive dum. Listen DA dum DA dum DA dum DA dum DA dum. The same with our in breath and our out breath. It’s the flow of life. Opposites create a flow and in the flow we are healed. I think Jesus is using these insights in his work as a healer: using his authority to command, submitting to his faith to believe and give thanks.
With that said, let’s begin our meditation.
Find a comfortable seat on a rug, a pillow, a chair, or the ground. Close your eyes, rest your hands on your knees and begin to bring your awareness to your breath, slowly breathing in and out. Inhale and exhale. Relax your face. Allow your eyes to be heavy. Release your jaw. Allow any tension in your forehead to fall away. Inhale and exhale. You are safe. Inhale and exhale. Be the watcher of your thoughts, let them drift away like clouds across the sky. Inhale and exhale.
Welcome this mantra to guide you through your meditation today:
I lead with love; I follow with grace; I am thankful.
I lead with love; I follow with grace; I am thankful.
I lead with love; I follow with grace; I am thankful.
I will ring a soft bell as we begin our mediation and then once again to let you know that it is time to let go of the mantra . . .
And now, let’s begin.
It is time to let go of the mantra. Slowly return to the sound of your breath. Gently move and become aware of the room around you. Take as long as you need, and when you are ready, flutter your eyes open.
As you go through your day to day, notice your role in the dance of leading and being led. Take joy in this movement, go with the flow, you are dancing the dance of life.
Live a CHARMED Life.
CHARMED
Don’t forget your daily self care practices. Click here for inspiration.
Word of Intention
complement
Eight Affirmations of Gratitude
I am grateful for dynamic relationships.
I am thankful for all of my teachers.
I give thanks for all of my lessons.
I am thankful that I have the qualities I need to be a good leader.
I am thankful that I have the qualities I need to be a good follower.
I am thankful for my active self.
I give thanks; I am trusted.
I am grateful that I trust.
Questions to Consider
Are there areas in my life that I need to be stronger and more active?
Are there areas in my life where I need to be meek and more passive?
How can I go with the flow?
Blessings
Thank you for joining me. Love and light to you my friend. Namaste.