Don’t Be Left in the Dark

I realize that this newsletter is a few weeks late so I want to apologize right up front for the delay.  I’ve been using this slower part of the winter when I’m more of a house recluse to work on my Doctoral studies, so that’s what I’ve been very absorbed in.  So instead of looking at this as a late January newsletter, maybe you could look at it as an early February one.  I don’t know about you, but that sure makes me feel better!

At this time of year I usually try to work on a “winter” project to keep me busy and not think about cabin fever.  Even though I handle winters quite well, I have several friends and clients who have a very hard time with it, especially those who suffer from SAD.  This stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as the winter blues or winter depression.  The shorter days and lack of sunlight is one of the major problems associated with SAD.

While going through several resources for my dissertation, I came across an article from a page in our church bulletin from about a year ago that talked about people in a different kind of darkness.  It said that just as our eyes can become accustomed to being in a darkened room after a while, it’s also possible to live our lives in darkness without noticing it after a while. 

We can live in this kind of darkness even in broad daylight and all of us, including myself, are guilty of this.  We go about our daily activities and ignore any increasing darkness around us, not wanting to get involved if we think it doesn’t affect us directly or not wanting to go against the crowd even if you feel they’re wrong.  So we cling to old habits even if they’re harmful, follow the crowd instead of our hearts, fear judgment of others, and seek honor and praise to feed our own egos.  Over and over, Jesus warned of what happens when people choose darkness over light and challenges us to change in the light of love.

The article goes on to tell how Nicodemus was an example of someone who went from walking in darkness into light.  Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a religious authority, just like those that Jesus so often criticised.  So when he had a question for Jesus, he came to him in the darkness of night as to not be seen and risk his reputation and honor.  Even though he didn’t understand Jesus’ explanation of things in their first conversation, he must have pondered it in his heart because he later defended Jesus openly, and in daylight, in front of the other Pharisees.  They wanted Jesus arrested, but Nicodemus spoke up and said that their law did not judge people without giving them a hearing first.  Eventually, Nicodemus showed himself as a disciple of Jesus by providing 100 pounds of burial spices to anoint the crucified body of Christ.  This was normally the amount that might have been used to bury Roman rulers.  This was a very bold show of courage on Nicodemus’ part.

Next week starts the beginning of Lent.  I would encourage all of you to examine your lives and see where you feel you are still living in darkness.  Just like Nicodemus, you too may see where you need to begin your journey into the light of the cross, the light of LOVE!

I’d like to take this time to also remind you that I will be teaching the Level 2 Spring Forest Qigong on Saturday, March 6th.  This is an all-day seminar from 8:30 to 5:00.  Because of the present economy, I will be lowering the cost of this seminar just like I did for the Level 1.  So instead of the usual $250, the cost will be $199.  You may go to my website at www.arlisfeser.comto print off a form and send it in withyour payment, or you may simply call me at 320-587-9879 to let me know that you’ll be coming or for more information.  But I would need to know very soon, as I still need to order the correct number of manuals that we will be using.  If you’ve ever wanted to be able to help your family or friends with Qigong, this is the class to take!

I wish you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day and a day filled with laughter and love.  And if you’re an Olympics fan like my husband and I, watching so many talented people doing what they love on the ice and snow should take away any winter blues.  And you can do it from your own chair or couch, in the toasty warmth of your own home, while having a hot drink and eating chocolates you can get 50% off after Valentine’s Day!  Have a perfectly wonderful February.

Arlis Feser