We embark on the twenty-second 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.

The theme for today is Learning From the Past. It has been said that those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. It has also been said that one definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result. We all have patterns; some of us even recognize them as patterns. And yet we continue to do the same thing when patterns come up, demonstrating that we have learned only behaviors that perpetuate our patterns. Whenever a relationship ends, take an honest look at that relationship; compare it to your other relationships, and look for the similarities, The only common denominator is you, so how did you contribute to that pattern? It might be something as simple as your choices. When you are in an uncomfortable situation, and you find yourself thinking something to the effect of “not again,” think back to what the first time you felt this way. Now, what is different now as opposed to then? This brings you back out of the past and into the present.

Questions that might help you see what you can release: What are my patterns? Where is my ego involved in my decision making? What can I do better? What can I do differently? What is my resistance?

Suggestions for contemplation: When I take my concerns about my patterns down into the earth, what information do I get back? When I connect to the root systems and the plants, what information do I get back? Is there an animal medicine that might help me in shifting my patterns? Am I ready to step out of this pattern and try something new? If I were to receive supernatural assistance with these patterns, how would that look?

A mantra for receiving today might be “I open myself to new insights and information about my past.”