Sunday, September 30, 2007 Gil: Tender rituals By Sandy Gil Sunday Dunes
(Last of Two Parts)
CARLOS started the blessing ceremony by reading a poem about what a home is: an abode where its owner can cry to her heart's content, to think with her flow of consciousness, to be happy and dance and sing with abandon, to find peace from the harsh realities of the outside world and to be sheltered and protected.
Carlos then asked me to read a poem that sought blessings for every part of the body, including the womb! At first, I was taken aback with the inclusion of the womb in the ritual... Until it dawned on me that our mother's womb was actually our first home. It is a home, where a fetus can cry, think, be happy, dance, sing, seek shelter and protection.
Then Reza was asked to read her poem -- more thoughts about woman and her womb.
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Then we read the wishes we had earlier written in little cards for the home and its owner (me, of course)! Two wishes struck me most. One was Reza’s wish that my home continues to be a refuge for those who need healing and serenity.
Truth is Reza has been such a part of building this home. She was with me when the land had nothing on it but flattened soil. She was with me when we threw coins into the foundation holes of the house (fearful as she was that I might fall into the holes). She was with me when the house was made of mere hollow blocks. We had wondered how such a crude thing could become a house. She was with me when I bought the toilet seat and sink, the tiles, the living room carpet, the sofa, the new TV set and so on. This house is as much hers as it is mine.
As with other dear friends of mine, my home has also been her safe haven, her sanctuary.
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The other wish was from Carlos. He had wished me artistic fulfillment in my life. I thought that that was quite profound. When you think about it, all material possessions (like the home) can be taken away. Even our loved ones can be taken away – or they can willingly leave you. The fact is we have no control over all these material possessions and people. We only have control over our selves.
Being a writer, I am who I am, stripped of all uncontrollable encumbrances. It is only my writing that I have control over. I, and only I, have the power to make or break my written works. No one can take my love for writing away from me, except me. When I think about it, the source of such soulful and artistic fulfillment is only me...
...And God, Allah, Buddha and all the gods of the universe.
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The three of us then laid our hands over the bowl of water and summoned our own blessings and energies to sanctify the water. And then, guess what! I -- little, ol' me -- took the young branch and dipped it in the bowl of water and started to bless everything inside and outside my home by sprinkling water on everything in sight! Cool!
At first, the sprinkling of holy water on everything familiar to me was really a great feeling. But then... I began to realize that overdoing this sprinkling business (like hosing down the place) was going to muck up the floor. So I sort of had to restrain myself from going overboard.
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I have attended a few house blessings in my life. Usually, the guests are given lighted candles as they pray and walk (I call it a tour) around the house, following a priest who sprinkles holy water in all the rooms. And as the guests are toured around the house, one usually overhears snippets of comments about the material possessions of the home owner. After that, food and drinks are served.
My house blessing was undeniably different. Apart from Carlos and Reza and thoughts of my loved ones, my house blessing included all the religions of the world and all the God and gods of the heavens.
Despite the fact that I was born a Roman Catholic, bred and educated in the traditions of Catholicism, I am the least religious person in the entire globe. I have reached a point in life where I prefer to embrace a spirituality that includes all the God and gods of all religious and beliefs. I need not choose. I prefer to have it all.
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And with all the God and gods with me last Sunday, mine was indeed a real house blessing that will always warm my heart.
