Building a stone wall is something that takes a great deal of practice and focus. I can take you to every stone wall I’ve ever built and show you exactly where I was “on”, in synch with what was manifesting through me. By and large, my time building these walls was very gratifying and a very spiritual endeavor. Allowing myself to not be distracted by the mundane life and dramas that can invade our consciousness, robbing us of focus and flow.
I can show you the places that I was somehow distracted and the work that I was doing had become a struggle. I can see walls, in my minds eye, that I have built and remember struggling at times. For the poor memory that I often display, it is a source of wonder that I can draw on such memories so clearly.
Likewise, in looking back over this lifetime, I can point out the times that I was in synch with Spirit and the Universe. I can point out when everything in my life just flowed, when everything just fell into place. This happens when I’m being true to myself and Spirit. Like the images of walls I’ve built, I can see my life at the times when simplicity and connection to self, connection to Spirit and the Natural World, were the norm and life was gratifying and blessed.
I can also look back over this lifetime and point out the times when my life was a struggle. These were generally times where I let the mundane aspect of this life become the norm, and my spiritual connection took a back seat, or was left at the curb altogether. These were the times when romantic relationships, as well as friendships and work all seemed to be a struggle. These were also the times that I felt most alone.
It takes practice, dedication, focus, patience and a certain groundedness to build a good stone wall. The artisan must be able to center themselves and set boundaries, leaving any of life’s dramas and mundanity outside the task at hand. While there is a certain necessity to running the actual business which brings in the work at hand, to build a sturdy and good looking rock wall, one must take care of business outside the time of actually doing the work, avoiding a break in focus.
As well, it takes a great deal of focus, dedication and patience to maintain the groundedness required to really be in touch with Spirit and spiritual practice. It takes practice. Like the building of a stone wall, the practice is a work in progress. While the parameters of a wall building job will bring the immediate project to closure, the artisan never ends the practice, for the dedication and connection comes from within. And that connection never goes away.
I still feel that there is some wall building project, some mastery that I have not yet accomplished. This isn’t to say that I yet have to build the wall of walls. Rather, it merely means that the process is never ending within me. I feel that my spiritual practice and connection with Mother Earth, with my own Spirit, is somehow connected with that same magical focus that manifests the wonderful walls I have been blessed to have the privilege of creating.
With the revelation of this connection, just this morning, I feel that I can move forward with better focus and dedication to Spirit. I feel that anyone whose life I touch, when in this focus, benefits from this ongoing spiritual practice. I am my own spiritual artisan. The structure that I manifest feels like a blessing. Any blessing I receive, is one I can share.
Walk with me,
Peter J Quandt