In the Heart of Winter: A Meditator’s Guide to Advent The transformation of Joseph that takes place in the Advent story is indicative of the change that can take place in our understanding when we have a spiritual experience. Joseph’s mind is changed; it is transformed by his inner experience. When he is confronted with the dilemma of his pregnant fiancé, he uses his mind to try to find a solution. The scripture says that while he is thinking about what to do, an angel comes to him in a dream and reveals the spiritual nature of what is occurring. He follows the inspiration to accept Mary as his wife and welcome this new life.
Joseph’s first response to what is occurring is to try to figure it out. But there are times when the spiritual inspiration that is trying to be expressed our lives cannot be contained or fully understood by the thinking mind. Thus, Joseph has a spiritual experience in a dream—an intuitive insight that expands his ability to embrace this change. There are times when we too must look beyond what the mind can fully comprehend and open ourselves to deeper insight to help us move forward with faith.
After the child is born, Joseph has another dream that instructs him to keep the child safe from Herod, who would seek to destroy the child. The awakened faculty of discernment is guided by the higher true Self, not directed by ego. When the mental field has been purified and transformed through spiritual realization, it can then serve Truth. Joseph represents the mind that becomes purified and acts in accordance with Truth. When our mind is clear and our faculty of discernment is purified, spiritual realization is protected from the ego, from doubts and fears that might obscure it.
Practice: To bring more clarity and understanding to a situation in your life, use the example of Joseph. Think about the situation and consider your options, but then open yourself to direct, intuitive insight that does not depend on logic. When reasoning something through does not satisfy the heart, be willing to wait until deeper knowing is revealed. Remember that we all have within us the ability to know the truth and be divinely guided.
Contemplate: Colors blind the eye.
Sounds deafen the ear.
Flavors numb the taste.
Thoughts weaken the mind.
Desires wither the heart.
The Master observes the world
but trusts his inner vision. —Tao te Ching, v. 12 Stephen Mitchell, trans.
Reflect:Do I have the patience to wait until clarity arises within me?
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