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Celtic Spirituality SeriesPart One: The Celtic WayBy Bridget Geegan BlantonI find celtic music to be very captivating. The lyric melody has this ability to release me from whatever insignificant matter I'm preoccupied with and transport me to a better place. It always lifts my spirit and lightens my heart. The constant chatter in my mind gives way to interior reflection. There is a spiritual component about celtic music that mirrors the essence of celtic wisdom. In the celtic tradition, an experience of nature with fully attentive senses is considered sacred. To walk the hills and valleys of the earthly landscape, mindfully, is a spiritual act. In our own lives, an appreciation of the world outside the walls of our home or office offers us an opportunity to reconnect to something that is more beautiful and glorious than our usual limited perception of the world. The complexity of modern life and perhaps the lure of materialism all contribute to the estrangement we often feel from our spiritual selves. We look outside of ourselves for answers or solutions and rarely consider entering the silence within. Interior meditation is a practice embraced by several spiritual traditions yet, rarely do we step away from the hectic pace to give it a try. Follow celtic tradition and reawaken your awareness within by stepping outside. Can you remember a moment in time when the beauty of the world took your breath away? Was it a snow-capped mountain, a sunset masterpiece or an animal in the wild? Recall how you felt during this awe-inspiring encounter. If anything, perspective on life was restored, we remembered that life is a precious gift. Treat yourself to a walk very soon. Focus on whatever it is that catches your attention. Try not to think, instead quiet your mind and simply appreciate. You may be surprised at what you learn. The world can be a very alienating place; we need a sanctuary where we can restore our souls. For matters of personal responsibility, we need to be out in the world yet, it is equally important to step off the beaten path, still the coursing thoughts in our mind and reflect on spiritual truth. Celtic tradition points to the connectedness of all life. Not only do we affect each other, but we affect the living earth. We all have something to offer. As we look up at the stars, listen to the waves as they crash ashore and feel the sand underneath us, we are active participants in this connectedness. We can learn from spoken truth as readily as we gain knowledge from the miracle of a seed sprouting into visible life. The old Irish saying, "isn't the hand of a stranger, the hand of God?"; supports this notion of connectedness. Therein lies our true responsibility. Not only do we need to tend to ourselves, but we must care for our brothers and sisters and for the earth itself.
However, if we are trudging along through this life ignoring the promptings of our soul, how authentic is our path? Harmony within ourselves and with each other as we acknowledge that we are part of something much larger, is the road to inner peace and it is within our grasp. We may be unable to singlehandedly end violence, pollution and discord, but we can clean up our own act. Celtic tradition tells us that ancient wisdom already exists within us. Quite possibly, it is written into our DNA. One does not have to come from a line of celts to possess this wisdom; it's available to all. The celtic way is but one of the paths to follow. For those of you with celtic lineage, this path may speak truth to you on a very deep level. A famous Irish saint, St. Brigid, was known for her love of the land. By entering a sanctuary be it outside or not, we are able to examine our life, transcend our limitations and tap into that ancient wisdom within. Dedicate this day to a new beginning in your life. Consider it an opportunity to implement a change. Seek not to be ambitious in what it is you wish to transcend as you embark upon the path. Build upon your self-improvement by remaining engaged. It is through increased balance in our life that we experience harmony. Listen to the complaints that you might speak only to yourself throughout the day; herein lie the clues to the possible extremes that keep you off balance. Clarify to yourself, what it is that constitutes your personal truth. What feels authentic? What feels strained? What would you change if you could? Contemplate your unfulfilled desires. What is holding you back? Procrastination? Time? Money? Cast aside these limitations and begin, simply begin. Release the need to be validated by the world. Step out into the open air, breathe deeply and chart your own course. Refuse to be constrained by rigid opinions; be they your own or those belonging to others. Dare to walk in the direction of your dream as impossible as it may appear from the perspective of your present conditions in life. You are not alone. Your life is connected to all there is or ever was. The path of celtic spirituality is best initiated outside, in view of the sunrise, while leaves still cradle dew like jewels. Begin your personal journey in touch with the beauty God has created and take it with you as your start your day. All Rights Reserved.
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