Spiritual Well Being. Part 1
21 06 2010So often we seperate physical well being and spiritual well being; yet aren’t they one and the same? Here are some ponderings on the inherent wisdom found in the teachings of Susun Weed.
In my life there have been a few that stood out to me in this special way. Not so much because they were any better or different than anyone else, but their affect on me personally was different. Reflecting on this my grandmother comes to mind. Barely educated and yet infinitely wise- always knowing what to do no matter what happened. I think about the 70 year old woman who lives down the street from me who I am CONVINCED can walk through walls and has transcended time and space….yet to others she appears as just the nicest little lady. Imaginary characters come to mind, like those I have seen in my dreams who came and gave me courage. Even movie personas- like Mary Poppins and Willy Wonka who in my view are really mystics disguised as eccentric personalities. And then there is another who comes to mind especially, and this is Susun Weed; plant spirit prodigy, green witch, and humble mover and shaker of the universe. In this article I would like to address some my personal observations in light of the understandings Susun has set forth in her teachings and writings.
I chose Susun’s work as a focus for this article because I find that contained within her holostic (which means wholeness by the way) approach, there are many, many deeper and inherently valuable meanings to her insights which- at least for me- have made an impact in a variety of ways.
I recall being at a particularly depressing moment not that long ago, and I casually opened opened the book “Healing Wise”. I have over 300 spiritual, holistic, entheogenic, and ancient and modern texts at my disposal by the way- so it was not as if THIS one would be the first choice for someone who was feeling as crappy as I was. I felt like a “spiritual failure” and completely cut off from everyone and everything. Yet, right on the page I opened there was smack dab in the middle a chart comparing the various “traditions” employed for health and wholeness, and a notation under one of them named “The Heroic Tradition” which said, “I’ll save you…” Hmmm….was I really looking for a savior? I felt so incapable at succeeding in my own efforts towards awareness and here is this one little phrase taunting me. Then right next to it I saw the phrase under the “Wise Woman Tradition”, “I’ll play with you in the sacred garden…I will love you unconditionally”. THAT was the answer. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. Without judgment, measurement or reservation. I was loved unconditionally by the universe and yet I was busy beating myself up over my perceived “lack”, “failure”, “Badness”.
Often times attempting spiritual “enlightenment” we unconsciously measure ourselves by how much discipline we can withstand, how “perfect” we have been that day, how rigorous are our “renunciations”. Not to mention the humungous, magnanimous spiritual egos we create in the process which we eventually have to contend with. “Yes - yes- I have already walked that path- Ominous-Auminous- I will heal YOU.” Now I have run into that sort of persona a thousand times. And true- many do recieve a healing of some sort via this method and I don’t knock this type of thing. Yet- it wasn’t at all a help to me to be told, “You are healed because I have 22 years of kriya yoga behind me, am a vegetarian and surrendered my self to the cosmos.” I walked away feeling nothing. No change in depth. On the other hand, I have found real teachers to teach by their life. Their life is their message. Here’s one from Susun I found to be unique, “I do not want those who come to me to learn WHAT I learned, but HOW I learned so that they will know for themselves.”
The Scientific Tradition: (Conventional physio-psychological approach) Walking the knife edge of keen itellect, analytical thoughts, measuring and repeating, then measuring again.
The motto of the scientific tradition is: “TRUST MY MACHINE”
The Heroic Tradition: (Alternative Medicine) The way of the savior, a path of rules, punishment and rewards, and purifications.
The motto of the heroic tradition is: “TRUST ME”
The Wise Woman Tradition: (Spontaneous Approach) The path that leaves no trace, integration and nourishment with a focus upon uniqueness of each individual who is addressed as such. The approach of wholeness.
The motto of the wise woman tradition is: “TRUST YOURSELF”
Looking at these approaches from a spiritual perspective I saw certain aspects of myself in ALL THREE of them. I had attitudes and ideas composed of all three. And in my own way, as screwy as it sounds, I saw clearly that what Susun was addressing from a health perspective was completely applicable from a spiritual view. Here is how it looked to me in that context:
The Scientific Tradition: “TRUST MY MACHINE”- Immediately the thought went through my mind that this is the equivalent of, “God doesn’t exist, just follow the system. You are SUPPOSED to run around searching for money and stability and honor and fame so GET TO IT and push everyone and everything out of your way!”
The Heroic Tradition: “TRUST ME”- This one produced the corresponding thought of, “Now just say ten hail mary’s and ten “our fathers” and know that Jesus will save you. DAMN IT! You are not subservient to the calling of Christ! You are a sinner- let me redeem you. Don’t speak- just let go and let GOD. Trust me….”
The Wise Woman Tradition: “TRUST YOURSELF”- Instantanseously the idea hit me, “KNOW THYSELF”.
