40 Days: A Practice Toward Renewal

For quite a while I have been kicking around the idea of creating a daily prayer or presence practice. Each time I came close to making this "thought" a reality, I would stop myself with the realization that there are already many beautiful meditations, daily devotionals, or prayer practices available. Does the world really need another one?

And yet, if there is something inside of us wishing to take form, who are we to hold back the waves of creation? Perhaps sharing our gifts with the world requires riding these innovative waves and playing in the swells of the imagination. How much freer would we be with our gifts if we enjoyed them without concern for the "end product" or the judgment of others?

It is from this place of playfulness and spiritual exploration that I invite you to travel with me on this journey for the next 40 days. I will post a reflection/prayer/spiritual practice each day in hopes that we will learn, grow, and ultimately experience renewal together.

Why forty days? Most Jews and Christians understand the significance of the number 40 in the Bible. The rains fell for 40 days and 40 nights (Noah's ark experience Genesis 7:4)...Israel ate Manna for 4o years (Exodus 16:35)...Moses hung out with God twice for 40 days (Exodus 24:18 and Exodus 34:28) ....Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights (Matthew 4:2), was tempted 40 days (Luke 4:2, Mark 1:13), and remained on earth 40 days after resurrection (Acts 1:3). Each of these examples speaks to a time of testing which led to renewal and the fulfillment of promises.

Those of us who have given birth know that the "normal" length of pregnancy is (as if there really is one!) 40 weeks. Shah Nazar Ali Kianfar, a Sufi master says, "40 days, according to the teachings and practice of the prophets and holy masters, is the mystical number of the course of perfection, a course that leads to an experience of the true essence of one's humanity." Finally, according to some accounts, Buddha sat beneath the bodhi tree for 40 days when he attained enlightenment.

Unfortunately, I cannot promise you enlightenment, deliverance into the promise land, or perfection in these next 40 days. However, I believe by staying committed to this practice, for this period of time, we open ourselves to a greater likelihood of "experiencing the essence of one's humanity;" that the path on this journey will take unimagined twists and turns. I invite you to walk with me and hope you will share your experiences. Namaste.