We embark on the sixteenth 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 Surrender. As we started to examine yesterday, surrender can open us up to new opportunities and new truths. Surrender, contrary to common thinking is not a place of weakness, but a place of strength. When we say “I don’t know” or “Help me” to the Universe, we allow for new information to come in. Control is an illusion anyway – all you really have control over are your actions and reactions, and for most people, the control we have over our reactions is tenuous at best. Surrendering that illusion of control allows for guidance, for supernatural assistance, for inspiration.

Questions that might help you see what you can release: In what situations am I stuck? What are the emotions behind that stuckness? What is the first time I remember feeling that way? Can I let this go and open myself to something better? Where are my ego attachments? What do I hold on to that perhaps I could let go of? Where am I lying to myself?

Suggestions for Contemplation: Imagine giving your problem to the earth, who is big enough to take it and transform it. Imagine giving your problem to a tree, who recycles our waste into usable material. What animal medicine do you imagine might best be able to help with this issue? What is the Truth of this issue? What would supernatural assistance look like? What aspects of this issue have you not yet considered?

For receiving today, you might use the mantra “I don’t know. I am open to new ways of being, new ways of thinking, new ways of seeing.”