City Newspaper Archives - 4/2007
Whirling Dervish Parenting
Published by Rev. Corey Keyes on Apr 10, 2007
One went to the door of the Beloved and knocked. A voice asked, "Who is there?" He answered, "It is I." The voice said, "There is no room for Me and Thee." The door was shut. After a year of solitude and deprivation he returned and knocked. A voice from within asked, "Who is there?" The man said, "It is Thee." The door was opened for him. ---Jalal al-Din Rumi, Sufi poet
As the sacred dancers of the Sufi Mevlevi Order (the so-called "Whirling Dervishes") pray their spinning art, they turn one hand up and open to heaven to receive blessings, and the other down toward the earth to transmit those blessings. In short, they become conduits of spiritual healing, peace, and love, sending forth to others all that they receive in their efforts.
When done well, the dance of Spirit-led parenting is not much different. We whirl and turn to nurture and grow those around us. In our purest state, we do so selflessly, seeking strength only to strengthen others, blessings that we may bless.
Parenting is intense. With the coming of spring, most of us find ourselves spinning faster and faster amid so many activities, commitments and needs. This is the time to remind yourself of the sacredness of the parental dance. It is the time to be more mindful of your spiritual source. Present to that source an open hand. See your children in the fresh light of spring. Present to them an open hand as well. You are a conduit of great blessing. Yours is a sacred dance.
