The Crowded Path of Descent
We find ourselves at the end of a journey through the path of descent, a trimester of exploration that has led us to unexpected depths. As we pause to reflect, we realize that this journey, often perceived as solitary, is far from it. We are not alone on this path; it is, as we’ve learned, a crowded one.
Our descent has been a well-worn spiritual journey, trodden by countless souls before us. Though at times it felt isolating, we now understand that many have walked this path and continue to do so alongside us. This realization brings comfort, knowing that our struggles and pain are shared experiences in the spiritual journey.
Opening to Love
As we’ve descended, we’ve discovered an unexpected truth – going down has actually opened us up. This descent has created space within us to receive love in new ways. We’ve glimpsed moments of being held by something greater than ourselves, touching that point of nothingness at our core that Thomas Merton spoke of – a place beyond our control, entirely at God’s disposal.
Through this process, we’ve begun to understand that our true identity isn’t found in what we can control, but in the profound reality that we are loved by God[1]. This love forms the bedrock of our existence, a foundation we’ve uncovered as we’ve hit rock bottom.
The Breaking Open
Our hearts have been broken open on this path, and in that breaking, we’ve found an expansiveness we never expected. As Mother Teresa wisely noted, it’s only when our hearts break open that the whole world can fall in. We’ve learned that this path of descent, challenging as it is, opens to and is held by the way of love.
The poetry, art, and myth we’ve encountered along the way have given us a language for this descent. They’ve taught us how to “die before we die,” a process as unglamorous as it is necessary. This symbolic death has carved open spaces in our hearts, allowing us to hold more – more sadness, yes, but also more joy, more beauty, more love.
Embracing Uncertainty
As we’ve journeyed downward, uncertainty, unknowing, and mystery have become our companions. We’ve learned to lean into the wisdom of contemplative traditions, finding stability in our practices and communities during these times of unknowing. These practices have anchored us, providing a sense of grounding even as we’ve ventured into uncharted spiritual territories.
The Integration Period
Now, as we enter a period of integration, we feel a collective exhale. This is our time to take a deep breath, to settle in, and to allow our personal understanding to rise to the surface. We recognize this as a season for slowing down, for resting, for reviewing. It’s a chance to deepen our practice and reflect on how the content we’ve explored intersects with our lives.
We’re learning to be present to what’s most needed in this moment, while also giving ourselves permission to set aside what may not be relevant for us right now. This integration period is a kind of Sabbath, a time to allow inertia to stop and to open ourselves to what may want to come to us.
Facing Our Suffering
Through this trimester, we’ve confronted our own suffering and that of others. We’ve realized that facing this suffering has indeed carved open wide spaces in our hearts. We find ourselves quicker to tears, more attuned to our own sadness, the sadness of others, and the collective sorrow of the world.
Yet, paradoxically, we also find ourselves quicker to laughter. Our sense of humor has deepened, and we feel more equipped to meet life in all its fullness. The space in our hearts that holds sadness also holds joy and beauty in equal measure.
A Transformative Journey
We recognize now that we can never go back to who we were before this journey. We are forever changed by this path of descent. But we also understand that this change is not a loss – it’s a transformation, an expansion of our capacity to engage with life in all its complexity.
As we prepare to move forward into the path of love, we carry with us the wisdom gained from this descent. We understand now that uncertainty and unknowing are not obstacles to be overcome, but integral parts of the spiritual journey. We’ve learned to trust the rhythm of our own deep hearts to guide us through.
Looking Ahead
As we stand at this juncture, preparing to transition from the path of descent to the path of love, we feel a sense of anticipation. We know that the breaking open we’ve experienced has prepared us for what’s to come. Our hearts, now more spacious, are ready to receive and give love in ways we couldn’t have imagined before.
We move forward with a deepened appreciation for the spiritual journey in all its complexity. We understand now that the path is not linear, but a “jagged root of descent” that leads us ever deeper into God. And as we continue on this path, we do so with the comforting knowledge that we are not alone. We are part of a great company of souls, past and present, visible and invisible, all journeying together on this crowded path.
As we enter this integration period, we commit to feeling it all – the joy, the sorrow, the gratitude, the grief, the compassion, and even the criticism. We trust that the curriculum of our lives will continue to teach us, and we remain open to the wisdom that emerges from our own deep hearts. With this openness and trust, we prepare ourselves for the next phase of our journey – the path of love.
KEY POINTS
Path of Descent
– The path of descent is a well-worn spiritual journey
– It can feel lonely, but many have walked it before
– Going down can actually open one up to receiving love
– It’s an endless path that prepares for rock bottom
– It teaches how to “die before you die”
– Breaking open of hearts allows the whole world to fall in
Rock Bottom as Foundation
– Rock bottom can become a foundation for spiritual growth
– It’s a point where one’s deepest core is at God’s disposal
– It opens up a way of being held and loved by God
Integration Period
– Opportunity to take a deep breath and settle in
– Time to let personal understanding rise to the surface
– A season for slowing down, resting, and reviewing
– Chance to deepen one’s practice
– Allows for reflection on how the content intersects with life
Wisdom from Contemplative Traditions
– Leaning into practice and community can help in times of unknowing
– Practices can stabilize during periods of uncertainty
Suffering and Growth
– Facing suffering can carve open space in one’s heart
– This space can hold more sadness, but also more joy and beauty
– Those who walk through dark nights may become quicker to tears and laughter
– They may develop a better sense of humor and ability to meet life’s fullness
Spiritual Journey
– It’s a crowded path, not walked alone
– There are guides, ancestors, and unseen forces that intervene
– The path of descent opens to and is held by the way of love
– Uncertainty, unknowing, and mystery become companions on this path
