We embark on the ninth day of a 40 Day Practice, based on the energy of the Labyrinth (releasing – contemplation – receiving). If you have a local labyrinth, I invite you to walk the labyrinth with today’s theme as your focus. If you don’t have a local labyrinth, you can create your own, take a walk somewhere peaceful, or even sit in contemplation in your own home. I will be scheduling various public labyrinth appearances, and you are welcome to join me when and where you can, if you feel moved to do so.

Today’s theme is Understanding. In some traditions, Understanding is associated with the archetypal Mother energy. This is on a deeper level than comprehension; this is understanding that comes from deep within.

Questions that might help you see what you can release: How do you define the Mother archetype? Does that feel complete? Do you feel like you have ever experienced a deep understanding? If someone were to fully understand and accept you, how would that feel? Does that question cause you fear or joy or sadness? If someone you cared deeply about expressed their emotions to you, and you were to say “I understand,” and mean it, how would that feel? What gets in the way of you being able to understand others that deeply? What gets in the way of others being able to understand you that deeply?

Suggestions for Contemplation: Imagine an archetypal mother figure, as old as time, as big as she needs to be, holding you in her arms, radiating pure understanding and acceptance. Imagine being a flower, slowly opening and accepting the sunlight. Is there an animal that particularly conveys the concept of understanding for you? How do you relate to that animal? Who is the person in your life that you feel understands you the best? How do they convey that? Is there a historical figure you feel was a beacon of understanding? How did they embody understanding? How did it influence their actions? Is this something you can emulate? If you suddenly gained the ability to understand on a deep level, what would that change? How does Understanding relate to the Divine?

Your mantra for receiving might be “I open myself to receive the ability to understand and be understood at a core level.”