"People need to wake up. They can't hear God's voice if they're asleep."
-Vernon Cooper, LUMBEE
A circle dances above us, a hoop of many hoops. Within this sacred circle lies the collective conscience, the spiritual essence of the people. If our hoop is clouded with dysfunction and hurt—be it through addiction, violence, or neglect—we risk falling into a slumber. We mistake this fog for normalcy; we mistake being asleep for being alive. Yet, within each tribe, each community, there are those tasked to wake us from our spiritual sleep, to pester us until we remember the path. Our purpose is to rise up and reclaim our spiritual walk.
Facing uncomfortable situations and taking loving action is a demonstration of maturity and grace. Many of us have spent years dodging discomfort, shying away from life's challenges, and distancing ourselves from deeper connections. We avoided conflict, discomfort, and sometimes, even joy. Yet, through our spiritual and communal awakening, we learn to engage more authentically with the world. We understand that sidestepping the hard parts of life leaves us spiritually asleep, separated from our purpose.
When we resist showing up for life, our social and spiritual slumber deepens. However, as we embrace our spiritual awakening, we find the strength to walk through discomfort, knowing the payoff is a deeper connection to ourselves and others on the other side. This journey augments our spiritual and communal maturity. It teaches us to reclaim our power, to dispel dysfunction from our hoops, and to walk our path with grace.
I will reframe my outlook on my own discomfort, seek the love that nurtures our collective hoop, and practice maturity and grace as I navigate life's complexities. In waking up, I hear the voice of the Great Spirit and reconnect with the sacred circle of life.