Yesterday, I became one with the wind. At least, that is what my certificate of flight says. "Let it be known from this day forth that Cathie Lambert by means of hot air balloon ascended into the sky above the Avon River Valley in the fair state of Western Australia and became one with the wind. The Aerostat that graciously freed our earthly bonds was so named Rainbow Drifter IV."
I can too easily become critical of some people who tend to drfit through life, those people who seem to go with the flow with little planning or sense of responsibility. On the other hand, as a Christian, I have been known to talk about going where the Spirit leads - a Spirit that we often speak of as wind or ruach. There is an unpredictable nature to this way of living that makes us vulnerable. Our balloon pilot explained to our team that he had no control over direction, only altitude and speed. He would alter our altitude to make the most of the changing winds at different levels. At one point, when we were very close to the earth, we were travelling at walking pace. Half an hour later, when the people below had become like ants, we travelled at a much faster pace. Despite the unpredictable nature of flying a balloon, our pilot was able to land directly on to the trailer that would tow it away. Amazing!! Considering the numerous possibilities for something to go wrong, floating above the earth in a hot air balloon has an amazing sense of peace. It was an experience like no other. I had absolutely no control over my destiny or the path of my journey, but felt completely calm. Somehow each moment became sacred and still in time. What a blessing it would be in my life to live at one with the wind. Not blown here and there with no care for the destination, but working with the wind as I adjust my altitude to make the most of the journey. There are times to travel slowly with my feet close to the earth and moments to pick up the pace with the higher winds. Uncertainty would be a reality, but peace would prevail. Every moment sacred, but surrounded in calm as I become one with the movement of the wind.
I was first introduced to the Labyrinth in 2006. The first time I walked one was not a startling experience for me, but I came away feeling at peace and feeling like the worries of life were in perspective. Since that time, I have walked countless labyrinths. There are some that I revisit, but the experience is never the same. There is a labyrinth on a friend's property that is very simple and made out of rocks. I have walked this labyrinth a handful of times. In the Winter it is green and has flowers scattered amongst it. In Summer it is dry and more desolate. Funnily enough, the condition of that particular labyrinth has often mirrored the condition of my soul at the time of walking. Another special labyrinth is one at a retreat centre where I stayed as part of my Spiritual Direction course. This course was a time of great growth and each time I walked the labyrinth there it was almost like a crystallizing experience. All of the doubts an confusion which had been swirling around in my head became clear and tangible while walking the labyrinth. Again, each time was a very different experience and a gift in my spiritual journey.
I have created my own labyrinth based on the pattern of the labyrinth in Amiens Cathedral in France. It is painted on gym mats and is put together like a jigsaw puzzle. Every time I set it up for people to walk I get excited with the anticipation with what might happen for people. I almost enjoy watching other people walk the labyrinth as much as I do walking it myself. You would think that after seven years of walking labyrinths I would be ready for the magic of the experience. No - each and every time I am surprised and touched by how the Spirit can work through tools like the labyrinth. I guess that is why they are still relevant and being used today. My hope is that the people that come to walk in the next two days in Margaret River will experience some of this mystery also.
A few months ago I used this video clip at a family service. We were talking about the Spirit being like wind. This wonderful video is a retelling of the children's book by Al Andrews. I think it has a message that we need to hear. What are we passing on to our children? Are we gifting them with the things in life that will be eternal? This raises lots of questions and wondering about Spirituality with children. Enjoy the clip!
Considering the numerous possibilities for something to go wrong, floating above the earth in a hot air balloon has an amazing sense of peace. It was an experience like no other. I had absolutely no control over my destiny or the path of my journey, but felt completely calm. Somehow each moment became sacred and still in time.
