The Blooming Desert of Rebirth
We all experience deserts in life, most likely not of our own choosing. What good could come from wandering through a dry lifeless landscape? We might find ourselves exhausted, weakened, even dessicated. We may feel like we cannot go on, physically, mentally, emotionally, even spiritually parched. But the truth about the most lifeless barren desert is that there is always something under the surface. A spark of new life, biding its time, waiting patiently for the right moment to burst forth, to be reborn. When the desert blooms, it is a wonder to behold. The dry sand and cactus spines provide a sharp contrast to the new flowers, making colors all the more vibrant. On closer inspection, we find that even the firm cactus spines begin with a softness, unfolding and gaining strength with rebirth.
The conditions for this rebirth are different for each living creation, just as they are for us. For some, the wait is short. For others, the bloom may occur only once in a lifetime after many decades of anticipation. The parallels between the blooming desert of rebirth and the journey of our own lives are manifold. We walk through the arid and barren desert of loneliness, despair, or hardship. We seek desert solitude for reflection, rest, prayer, and hopefully enhanced awareness. The damaged dessicated parts from wounds, illness, betrayal, or bad luck have scarred or healed over. The soft vulnerable parts of us that didn’t think we could make it through the desert now harden and strengthen with the wisdom and perspective that could not have been gained otherwise. Finally, the flower that blooms from us brings rebirth into a new better version of ourselves.
Think about an experience with a serious medical illness such as cancer. Realizing that you have a life-threatening diagnosis can be a traumatic and isolating experience that can certainly be likened to entering a desert wasteland. The physical, mental, and emotional toll of undergoing difficult treatments and suffering side effects can feel like being lost with no clear end in sight. With the help of friends, family, and the medical team, you eventually regain a sense of direction and destination. The spiritual experience of living with a disease like cancer is equally trying but can actually lead to a kind of inner peace and a greater clarity of purpose than could have been achieved in any other way. Lastly comes the rebirth, the understanding of a new self, fortified and renewed for whatever lies ahead. Even if the cancer is incurable or leaves permanent scars, the trial of going through the desert and experiencing this rebirth can be one of the most profound and transformative experiences of a lifetime. I have seen this many times over in lives of numerous patients.
This framework can be applied to any number of experiences. A dream opportunity that turned into a nightmare and ultimately led you to seek and find an even better one. A relationship that ended and left you feeling undesirable and lost, only to realize that it was holding you back from your full potential. A trauma that you would never wish on your worst enemy and from which you can never fully heal, but that has given you the gift of understanding and supporting those who have gone through a similar experience. Proclaiming the good news and healing the sick, only to be arrested and tortured and crucified, as the gateway to resurrection and eternal life!
Remember the desert as you encounter the struggles of life. Remember that the path forward is always easier to find by sharing the journey with those in our lives who want to accompany and help us. Remember that solitude and quiet can lead to a restored mind and body. And remember that the lifeless desert always blooms if we await in joyful hope!
