Michael Harding

Surrendering to Winter.The equinox in autumn is around September 21. That’s where it began. Now after midwinter we’re on the way out of the dark again. This week I have been meditating on this great sweep of the year. The time called winter. And winter as metaphor. I too will be folded back into the earth when life Is over. That too is winter. And that too might be a metaphor. And there may be some act of love that transcends death. Wouldn’t that be wonderful. If we could wash the oil out of the cloth the impurities in the human soul, so that we become white, pure white, and live in the floating realm of bliss, of which the metaphor of our lives is the anchor.Think about it this way. Your self is an anchor to a ship floating above you, far up there in the ocean of bliss. I offer you these reflections as a kind of poem that explains nothing, but I hope finds a space in your heart, as it goes out from my heart.

Someone asked me to say a few words on bereavement and I thought since it's January I might oblige. I think the first thing that I wanted to say was that I don't have any easy way to think about death. But I know that for me, meditating on the death-resurrection narrative in the gospel is a powerful consolation. And if you ever know anyone troubled by loss or grief or melancholy always know that there are people they can reach out to. Friends, and family and professionals likeThe Samaritans on freephone: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.ieor Pieta’s freephone crisis helpline is 1800 247247 or text HELP to 51444

Christmas is a peak in the dark, and January can be a big sinking into sadness, so I'm thrilled to share my secret; the thing that keeps me from sinking into misery, and the thing that for me defines being Christian. See what you think. I'm a zen monk in the way that the tree is not the tree.

A good Christmas was had by all. And now where are we. Me moving more deeply into Christian faith, cos I know now that this Christ is for me. Cosmic and personal, this transformed universe is had to believe in when you look at the politics of our age. But Christmas is the moment when you can feel that Cosmos awakening again in your heart.

A friend came visiting recently and the story is at the end of the episode. The rest is just one beautiful idea; Be grateful in every moment

Can I share with you how special you are. And one of the ways you are special is that the earth knows it. The ground beneath you knows you, and cherishes you. Don't be alarmed. I'm not off my head. It really makes sense, and this idea opens the door to a sense of being more and more deeply in relationship with the earth we live on. This is the root of what might be called Sacred Space. Sacred space is where we find our deepest connection with the cosmos. And here's the amazing thing; it's where you are standing right now.

I sit in silence. And the silence is a presence. and then something rises up out of the silence. And this is the way I write.As an example I chose three reflections from different moments in the past 20 years. Moments when I felt isolated as a man. Moments when I wasn't sharing my feelings. And somehow I wonder if it's a man thing to be so inarticulate about feelings and emotions. And sometimes I think that prayer has been the thing that rescued me. the thing that turns the isolation of depression into the solitude of serenity and joy. So that's how I write. I never quite know what I'm saying until I've said it. Be well and keep safe in the storm tonight.

You're going to love this. End of year in the Christian calendar with the Christmas music starting on Sunday. So chill out, and relax and just enjoy this moment. The year is over. Be loved. Be calm. Be your deepest self. and if you're listening on platforms for free please please go to Patreon.com/Michael Harding and subscribe. just give me the price of two coffees per month and I bring you four hours of heart felt meditations. Ah go on. Thanks and blessings.

here is a mix of two stories from the Irish Times Columns, one is my reaction to the movie Kneecap and the other at the end of the podcast is about a dear friend and neighbour who passed away recently. In between the two stories is a meditation on prayer. I hope you love it.