There's something about red doors. I love them. The door to my apartment is red. Then again, doors of any color have always been fascinating. Archways, entryways... this of course shouldn't come as a surprise.
What was interesting is this church is called The Church of the Epiphanies. Eureka! I saw the doors heading to meet one of best friends for lunch. Then had to drag her back to get the photos (thanks Erin!). Now, let me tell you, I'm sure by being on holy ground with the name of epiphany, I set some things in motion.
It's always that way - the smallest of things result in the largest paradigm shifts. Something small and "seemingly unimportant" events spark a shift in consciousness. I pay attention to the things that call me to them. It was the light and shadows at the front door yelling to me.
Over the last week, I've experienced a powerful set of epiphanies and moments that start to shift you. It was bound to happen. It always does. We all go through cycles of understanding and having those 'aha' moments. There are times when they start flying in and you need to document them.
Let me get to the point - one of the most important lessons this week had to do with belonging. Whether you read that as "if you belong" or "having a place you belong" or "who you belong to" it's all relevant. No better way to think about it than a door.
How many times do we try to force our way into something? Like putting your foot in a door so it won't close? Trying to get the set of keys. Hoping someone leaves the door unlocked for you - an opportunity, a job, a relationship. There's no forcing it. I've stood at many a locked door in my time. I've had doors slammed in my face. I've stood outside knocking in the rain.
At some point, you learn to peek into the places where it looks inviting and the doors are slightly ajar. The doors that say "welcome." The places you're called and invited to. While there's merit and reason to fight to open doors, there's another set of values for walking into doors that are opened for you. There's also merit for looking for other entrances to the places you need to get into.
I've been documenting these moments them in a journal. Sometimes they're just too private to put on display. But documenting those in photos is another way.
Thing is, once those epiphanies begin, once there's a shift you can choose to let it roll and become better and different or you have the choice to shut it down and maintain. I've shut it down a few times in my life. But I've hit a point where I can't any longer. So when all of it begins, I let it roll.
Just a warning, if you're having one of those cycles of expansion, it will exhaust you but it's one of the best feelings. You know when you come out of it, you'll not only be better for it, but you'll have a whole new set of ideas and things to do. You'll have a new sense of purpose. You'll have that sense of belonging. Just let it happen.
Epiphanies. Red doors.