The Look of Death
Daily Dose of Emily D
“There’s a certain Slant of light,
Winter Afternoons –
That oppresses, like the Heft
Of Cathedral Tunes –
Heavenly Hurt, it gives us –
We can find no scar,
But internal difference –
Where the Meanings, are –
None may teach it – Any –
’Tis the seal Despair –
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the Air –
When it comes, the Landscape listens –
Shadows – hold their breath –
When it goes, ‘tis like the Distance
On the look of Death –”
Daily Scripture Reading
Anchor Verse
“ Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
Meditation
Transcript
Sometimes it is hard to believe that the universe is benevolent. The words “Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil” are haunting. When I read this, I also think of the story of Job. As that story begins, God is talking with the devil and agrees to let the devil put Job to the test. Isn’t the Spirit only to guide us to our happy place? Isn’t God to keep us out of harm’s way? I remember the words, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, NASB). Of course, Jesus does miraculously well in this time of trial. He passes the test and moves on into his calling: gathering his disciples, teaching the good news of the kingdom, and ministering to and healing those in need.
Our poet today touches on this theme of “Heavenly Hurt” and “imperial affliction.” Living during the American Civil War, she certainly had her share of sorrow and while growing up in a Christian household, most certainly sent up a “Heavenly Why” often. Sometimes we don’t understand. Dickinson writes of “internal difference —Where the Meanings are” which “no one can teach” identifiable only by the “seal Despair.” I know that feeling. I am sure we have all felt that feeling of confusion and conflict and despair.
It is amazing how well this poem goes with our scripture reading today. The “certain Slant of light” could be compared to Satin, a fallen angel of light” stealing into the scene as the tempter. Winter afternoon is symbolic of emptiness not unlike where Jesus was after his 40 days of fasting. I observe that this event in Matthew comes immediately after the baptism. Through the baptism, we empty ourselves too. While I feel best and most alive in my emptiness, I am aware that it’s such a human drive to fill things. To fill empty spaces. In our winters, that is our times of cold and emptiness, we seek to fill and often during these times we are tempted.
Dickinson observes that when this despair comes, the outside world is hushed and still and when it passes, she speaks of a Distance. That distance one feels when looking on death. A feeling of separation, perhaps abandonment. It must be the loneliest feeling in the world. I think of Jesus on the cross and his words; I think of Matthew 27:46: “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").”
In this journey we are on, sometimes, we are led into desolate places - it is in these wildernesses where we meet our strength. In these difficult times of struggle we have our opportunity to meet our challenge and remain unchanged by it. Dickson, with the capital “D’s” connects Despair to Distance and to Death as if one leads to another. I think in life, our biggest temptation is the challenge to not follow that line of thinking. “If you are the Son of God.” Sometimes, our voice that challenges us, causes us to question our birthright, our divine and eternal nature. When this happens, we are constructing an illusionary chasm, and we are looking on Death, and it is a cold separation. We must remember, we ARE - there is no “if” - We are - it’s not something we loose or have to prove, we are children of God, and at the center of our being, we are divine. And so, when Jesus is challenged by the Devil, the first two temptations begin with those words, “If you are.” Even the last temptation challenges Jesus on this count, “Worship me,” the devil says, and I will give you everything you see. That’s just it, all that Jesus sees, is already his. And we are the same. When we are tempted in this way, we must not fall to the trick. All that we see —- is already ours, the temptation is - will we fail to see that. It’s a tricky challenge! The tests are not to see if we are greedy or not, but in our emptiness, to understand who we are, to get in touch with our beautiful and radiant center. Challenges like this are divine blessings, and while they do not change who we are, they do call us to at times fine-tune and on other occasions, maybe even fully transform our mindset. As we remember ourselves, it is then we can more out into the world a fulfill of life purpose. Our path involves mindfulness and also trust. The universe is benevolent even when it appears to be unkind. We are never alone, even though we come to empty places where we feel that way.
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 face 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.
I will now introduce our mantra for today. You can repeat it in your mind as you meditate, or simply use it to bring you back to the present moment if your mind begins to take you to the past or the future.
Even in the Desolate places; I have enough, I am strong, and I am not alone.
Even in the Desolate places; I have enough, I am strong, and I am not alone.
Even in the Desolate places; I have enough, I am strong, and I am not alone.
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 begin to move your fingers and your toes. Find your breath. And when you are ready, flutter your eyes open.
Smile. You are a child of God. You have all that you need. As you pass through life, don’t be tempted to follow those D’s: Despair, Distance, Death. At the core you are eternal, there is no Death. Embrace your birthright. Remember and radiate the joy that comes from knowing who you are, even in the Desolate places when you feel that you are not enough.
Live a CHARMED Life.
CHARMED
Don’t forget your daily self care practices. Click here for inspiration.
Word of Intention
remember
Eight Affirmations of Gratitude
I am grateful for my journey.
I am thankful that I trust myself and the path I have chosen.
An give thanks for my strength as I face new challenges.
I am thankful that I am a child of God.
I am thankful that I am not alone.
I give thanks that Death is an illusion, and that I have Life eternal.
I am thankful for my life purpose and that, as I meet my challenges, I am prepared to better serve others.
I am grateful that I am enough and I have enough.
Questions to Consider
In what areas of my life do I feel empty, and how am I trying to fill that emptiness?
How can I feel more secure in all aspects of my life?
How can I focus on life that I love?
Blessings
Thank you for joining me. Love and light to you my friend. Namaste.