Doak’s Doings

February:  the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars.  It is the shortest month and the only month with fewer than 30 days.  The month has 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years.  In the Southern Hemisphere, February is the seasonal equivalent of August in the Northern Hemisphere.  February was named after the Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 (full moon) in the old lunar Roman calendar.

·        “Purification.”  That is an intriguing word.  At first sight it feels as if it is something painful.  Pain is a real thing as we know from emotional to physical.  I gave my definition of ‘spirituality’ in my January 22 message:  “Spirituality is a creative, open, inspirational response to abiding ambiguity.”  Mid-winter is a good time to seek a cleansing of the soul, spirit, true self.  How?  I recommend St. Valentine’s Day!  February 14.  ‘Love’ is the finest four-letter word. It is the counterweight to ‘fear’.  It is my champion in the eternal struggle for meaning and holiness, wisdom and purpose.  Quoting Lady Bird Johnson “Become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid.”  Let it be compassion, empathy, and kindness as all are elements of love.

Courage is fear conquered by love.  God is love, enough said.  I’m persuaded that everything else is commentary.  Simple?  Yes but then love is simple and so is God(dess) – the Mystery in which we are, move, and be.

Be Gentle with Yourself ~ The Shepherd’s Dog, Doak       doakmans@gmail.com 601-498-0906