Still Wrapped

“But I don’t look like a sun,”
a young star still wrapped in swaddling
veils said.

To which I replied,
“But you will, my dear. You will, mashuq.
So don’t worry. Don’t fret.”

Daniel Ladinsky, A Year with Hafiz (2011), December 22

My day began before dawn, quiet and dark, lighting the final candle of the Advent wreath. Curious, Walker stood close, watched the flare of the match, the flickering of the four candles, and then left to keep silent vigil sleeping in his bed. I thought of family and friends, the passing of time, the moments of melancholy with the missing…thresholds crossed and yet to be.

It’s now Sunday evening, quiet and dark. I have just listened to poet Elizabeth Alexander read the final chapters from her memoir, The Light of the World. Recommended in Allison Wearing’s online memoir writing course, it’s the lyrical account of the sudden death of her beloved husband…beautiful, poignant, poetic.

A deep breath, a pause to reflect, and to register the sanctity of her story and the liminality of these holy days.

Then, I turned to the book beside me: The Dreaming Way, Toko-pa Turner’s brilliant invitation to the practice of dreamwork. The chapter, “Wisdom of Sophia.” Its essence, as the embodiment of paradox and the continuous chaotic cycle of creation and destruction, leads us to a refinement of our life force aligned with nature.

“Not only is there more to your story beyond this anguish, but one day you story will be the starlight for another to follow out of their own darkness.”

Toko-pa Turner, The Dreaming Way (2024)

Another deep breath and pause to let Toko-pa’s words land. And just before I turned off the floor lamp, I fetched from my box of sacred books and journals, Hafiz by way of Ladinksy to read today’s contemplation.

There’s a thread running through this day…revealed in the elements described here. And a blessing for you, dear friends, that you may trust in your own, perhaps still wrapped, starlight.

Much love and kindest regards.

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Author: Katharine Weinmann

writes award-winning poetry, walks long distances, sees beauty in life’s imperfections and photographs its shimmer

7 thoughts on “Still Wrapped”

  4. Dear Katherine,

    I just wanted to let you know that I am a great admirer of your blog – so heartfelt – the images, the writing you quote as well as your own.

    I came across this jewel that made me think of you, thought you would enjoy, from the newsletter of James Clear, author of Atomic Habits

    “Writing is the superpower of humankind. It is our truest form of magic.

    Writing allows you to conjure up something of value where nothing previously existed. It costs little for you to write down the lessons of your life and yet those few minutes spent writing can be life-altering for the right reader. As I once saw it put: “there is someone out there with a wound in the exact shape of your words.”

    Furthermore, writing is the foundation of nearly every technology and innovation because we have to record what we know before we can build upon it. And these innovations are passed down from generation to generation, allowing our children to inherit a richer intellectual fortune than what we were born into. The world is richer because we write and nobody is made poorer in the process.”

    So, in case you were tiring of the effort, wondering if it mattered, I offer this to let you know that yes, it does (and I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks so!).

    In gratitude,

    Rebecca (Benoit)

    Portland OR

    ******** Live Love Laugh Learn ​​ Listen Let go Leave a legacy

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    1. I am so deeply touched by your comments, Rebecca. Thank you for taking the time to write, to share a resource (I’ll get it) and let me know the impact of my writing. As it’s a solitary, and often lonely endeavor, your words sustain me. Kindest regards, Katharine

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