Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Mountains and valleys

My former UU minister, Steve, once told me a story about his friend. He went to the top of a mountain in the Himalayas and had a life-changing spiritual experience. His head and heart opened up and he recognized, for the first time, the one-ness of all creation.

As he was descending the mountain, a beggar came up and started asking for money. Steve's friend, in a fit of anger, pushed him away.

I laughed when I heard that story because it is so true. Often our mountain top experiences end with a thump.

And so it was with Easter. I willingly dove into the abyss of the Triduum, scaled the heights of Easter and then landed with a bump on the ass yesterday. It was as close to actual depression as I have come in years. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, I was ready to shove the first person that happened to cross my path.

A friend recommended reading Job and Ecclesiastes. I read the passion in John instead. And it helped, by God. It did.

7 comments:

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

((((((((Rachel))))))))

Me too. Much sleep, and reading Matthew, helped.

Rachel Nguyen said...

I'm jealous of the sleep part, Singing Owl. I have been an insomniac of late. During Holy Week I think it was God who kept poking at me all night. But the last couple of nights have been from fretting and worrying. I just have to remember to say prayers all night instead.

Thanks for the hug! Right back at ya!

(((((((Singing Owl))))))))

Anonymous said...

Ohhh, such honesty! I love it :-)

Jennifer
MyTrueSelf.Typepad.com

Anonymous said...

I hear ya,
Pray for a soft landing!
xxx

Emily

Anonymous said...

I'd be interested in hearing more of your journey from UU to Christianity. Some years ago I shifted from New Age into Christianity and so you've prodded my curiosity. I blog from http://mattstone.blogs.com by the way.

Matt Stone

Rachel Nguyen said...

Hi Matt,

I was pretty deeply embroiled in the New Age, too. In fact, for most of my adult life, I was an unchurched UU. I started attending a little local UU church in Providence about 6 years ago.

I touch on the journey towards Christ in this post:

I should mention, I think, that I no longer read tarot cards. I talk about that in later posts somewhere, but can't find it!

Thanks for the link to your site. I'll be sure to stop by and take a peak!

And welcome to the Big Dunk!

Love+
Rachel

Rachel Nguyen said...

Oops. The link didn't work. Let's try it again!

Here's the link