Pondering Winter Wisdom
Sr. Georgene L. Wilson, OSF

One of the facets that affects and effects the depths of my life of solitude and service in and with Transtraditional Wisdom is THIS very place where I breathe in and out at this moment on Earth: the "this-ness" of the present. THIS NOW is connected with all other cosmic energies, and actually, only has "this-ness" because of all these other relationships and their "this-ness". Thus today I find myself in Wisdom Webbings Anchorhold in Wheaton, Illinois, Midwest USA, North America; all in the Northern Hemisphere of Earth, where nature's warmth and light are diminishing. Again, through this changing reality, the "now" wizens my soul.

This NOW of winter's reality grounds me, invites my roots to deepen amid the darkness and cold. It also holds my present insights as I share them with you as only this "this-ness" can be shared.

As the darkness of this season increases I know that my whole being will seek light in its multiple and diverse manifestation. As the cold reaches into my bones I will be very creative in seeking warmth. It seems to be the way of being creature in the winter of this "this-ness". This is good. However, Wisdom also invites me to breathe consciously each "this-ness" of darkness seeking light and chill desiring warmth in its full revelation. "Watch THIS life," she councils. "Fast from outrunning the present."

Once trees revealed this wisdom to me. I share the poem they chanted:

Sanctuary of Comfort

Behold!
The forest of winter grows dead trees.
Eye cannot discern life or promise
among these all-alike gray ones.
Comfort holds me one among them. "Wait with us." they invite.

There is safety here,
for I am in a winter soul time.
Which of us will spring?
Judgments must fast from knowing.
"Wait with us."

The wind howls.
We winter creak and groan,
playing the song of death
like the hinge on the door of life
opening to more life.

"Wait with us.
Receive the ever-changing rhythms of earth.
She is our Mother:
Evergreen with dark, moist, holding:
Our common anchorhold.

Wait."

Sr. Georgene L. Wilson, OSF
3-22-1996

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