As we approach the beginning of our inward journey, I wanted to share some thoughts with you in preparation. Advent, and the entire season, is a time for preparing our hearts. Over the years, I’ve come to understand a different kind of knowing—one full of humor and lightness, which I now see as a sacred gift.
Embracing the Darkness
I’ve found myself waking up in the pre-dawn hours and embracing the total darkness. This quiet time has offered an invitation to simply sit and be. During this ritual, I light a candle to signal a shift within myself—a ritual that helps me open up to parts of me beyond the everyday. I let my eyes adjust to the dark, steering clear of the phone’s light, which alters this natural experience. It’s about letting the light, both literal and metaphorical, shine into spaces we thought we understood.
The Power of Faith and Prayer
I invite you to explore two words: faith and prayer. Both have shifted in meaning for me. Faith used to be about memorizing prayers and performing church rituals. Over time, I’ve realized faith is so much more—it’s about being and becoming, layering experiences that shape who we are. Prayer has similarly evolved from rote memorization to a meaningful dialogue with the divine inside me. It’s less about speaking to God and more about creating a space to listen.
Your Unique Experience
As you sit in contemplation, remember that there is no right or wrong way to experience this journey. If you miss a day or feel rushed, grant yourself kindness. Start anew whenever necessary, holding space for the gentle presence within. Lighting a match can be a humble beginning to tapping into your inner light.
Intentions for the Novena
I’d like to invite you to set your intentions for this novena, whatever they may be. Whether it’s a petition to Our Lady, the saints, or simply a question you wish to live into, allow yourself the space to experience it fully. You are inherently creative, and this creativity must be nurtured.
Conclusion
Thank you for embarking on this journey with yourself. Thank you for trusting me as your guide. This is a time for exploring and embracing the darkness, understanding and nurturing your creativity, and saying yes to the unfolding layers of your own being.
In this audio, I mention my interview on the Simple Daily Practice Podcast, where I discuss my practice around darkness. Listen here or visit the Press page of my website.
If you haven’t subscribed to the daily emails to join us in the Novena, you can do that below.
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