In Equal Measure
Lent, Week 4
Here in the northeastern US where I live, we are emerging from what seems like a long and particularly cold winter. But daylight has been shaving minutes off the long nights, and finally, this coming Friday, the spring equinox will arrive. For just a day, Earth will hold darkness and light in balance.
Equilibrium is so rare, both in our human lives and in nature. Both are dominated by random changes that look a lot more like chaos than equanimity. But our two equinoxes, predictable and reliable, are an exception. And when something is rare, I think it calls us to pay attention. What can we learn from this moment when Earth and Sun are in balance? What do we notice?
On this day, the entirety of Earth will receive sunlight. Both poles will see the sun at their horizons at the same time, because at noon the sun will shine directly above the equator, shedding its light equally north and south. And every place on Earth will experience nearly the same length of daylight, which will be almost perfectly equal to their length of darkness.
Dark and light, both in equal measure, given to Earth, who receives and holds them. Perhaps when we view this rare balance of opposites we can see how valuable each is. In her wisdom, perhaps Earth is teaching us that the spring blossoms we long for need both the darkness of the soil and the light of the sun. Perhaps through her example she is demonstrating how to hold opposites within ourselves as she does on this day, equally.
Earth, in her wisdom, holds all the opposites in equal measure. On this, our Spring Equinox, let’s allow that wisdom to enter, so that we too, learn to embrace the balance.
Meditation: Holy darkness, energizing light; let us hold both. Sacred silence, joyful song; let us hold both. Hallowed solitude, blessed community; let us hold both. Like our Mother Earth may we learn to embrace the opposites and hold them in equal measure. Amen.
To learn more about equinoxes: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/its-the-spring-equinox-what-in-the-heavens-is-happening
For more about the rarity of balance in nature: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_of_nature
Dear Denise, this morning I struggled to express this crucial matter of Equal Measure. I'm grateful to be reminded of its rarity. Your Nature Noticing helps me to live a bit more patiently with my heart's desire for balance in all our Communities and Circles. Exquisite Blessing to you, your, ours ~ Elaine
That windstorm was really something else last night. And it does remind us of the force of nature and wind. Thank you again Denise for your lovely essay. I always enjoy reflecting on what you have written.