Sweet Darkness
As we approach the winter solstice later this week, the balance of darkness to light in our days reaches its peak. Here in the Twin Cities, that means we have just over 8 hours and 46 minutes of daylight. While I can’t say I ever look forward to the darker days, I do appreciate the yearly invitation to reflect upon darkness and my relationship to it. During a season in which joy and hope can seemingly be found just about everywhere one turns, what an interesting paradox that, at least for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, it is also a season that can look so dark and feel so cold. And yet, maybe, that is part of the beautiful tension of it. In my own life, and certainly in my work as a therapist, I have come to understand the complex emotions this time of year can hold. While Andy Williams so familiarly sings, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” these can also be days and weeks in which we feel grief, loneliness and depression more intensely. And while that can be hard, it doesn’t have to be something we quickly rush away. There might be something in those moments that is worth paying attention to. A text I often turn to at this time of year is David Whyte’s poem, “Sweet Darkness.” As a spiritual/reflective practice, I invite you to dwell with Whyte’s words as a lectio divina (steps below). What might you find in the darkness this year?
Find the poem in its entirety here.
Read (lectio) - Begin by slowly reading the passage out loud. Notice if there is a particular word or phrase that speaks to you at this moment and sit with it for a time.
Meditate (meditatio) - Read the passage a second time. As you re-engage the text, let the word or phrase that stood out become your invitation to dialogue with God. Allow the word or phrase to wash over you and permeate your thoughts and feelings.
Pray (oratio) - Read the text a third time. What might God be saying to you in these words? What might you want to say to God? What feelings do these words raise up in you? Share your answers with God.
Contemplate (contemplatio) - Read the text a final time. As you do, release the word or phrase you have been praying with. Be still and rest in God’s embrace. What gift has God given you to take away from this prayer? To what action might God be inviting you? Thank God for this gift and invitation as you conclude your prayer.
Photo by Terry Richmond on Unsplash
