Rejuvenation Part 7

November 7, 2024

Rejuvenation Part 7

Professionals who restore oil paintings go through four basic steps:

1. Assessing the painting and its damage.

2. Cleaning the painting with non-harming agents.

3. Repairing the damage with suitable materials and colors.

4. Applying a protective varnish on the surface.

To rejuvenate, we go through similar processes. First, we take stock of the areas that require restoration. Through self-inquiry, we become conscious of the damaged areas. We ask, “What trauma has damaged me, and what level of pain did it leave behind?” We take note of our answers. Then we ask ourselves, “What capacities in my life have faded? We listen and take the answers to heart. Then we inquire, “What areas of my life need life support?” We look deeply into our energy reserves and sense the areas in jeopardy. 

The next step is cleaning layers of experience that accumulate and dim our lives. In an earlier Reflection this week, we explored the process of meditative cleaning: we visualize all the residue and accumulated impressions, exiting the body from our backs in the form of vapor or smoke. Other ways to clean are yoga, breath practices, and embodiment methods of scanning the body and mentally burning away the excess layers of internal residue. We imagine zapping them to leave a fresh “canvas.” 

Another vital way to clean is by bringing all that obscures the divine into sacred space. We gather whatever our issues are, even if we have no name for them, and put them in intimate sacred space. In this confessional aspect of prayer, we name our shortcomings, trespasses, resentments, follies, and guilts. We pray for healing. We emerge with a clean slate.

Applying a protective varnish is the final step to restoration and rejuvenation. But it is a continuous one … every day, we must nurture our spirit. This is best done at the beginning of the day before impressions set in. Whatever our spiritual practice, it renews us each day and prevents rapid deterioration.

Spiritual Practice: Look up the subject of confessional prayers. Write your own.

Self-inquiry: What would happen if you did not consciously desire restoration and rejuvenation?

Dear God,

Help my essence shine. Remove all that dims it. Amen