Notes on Transformation

"Transformation" is my Word of the Year for 2017, if I haven't told you that already. And, even if I have . . . .

This is from "When You Fail an Ordeal" by John Beckett on his blog, Under the Ancient Oaks. Paraphrased for context's sake.

"Instead of looking for initiation into a specific tradition, some people are looking for a transformative initiation experience - and that's something that can happen in many different ways.

"I say this: 'Is the candidate prepared and are the God and spirits willing?' because the effectiveness of an initiation often comes down to something most initiators are reluctant to create: truly transformative ordeals <like the Eleusinian Mysteries.>

"Ordeals challenge and test a candidate, but their primary purpose is transformation."

"There are three ways you can fail a Gods-sent ordeal:

"#1 - You fail to recognize what's presented to you. You weren't ready to begin with and you haven't noticed a transformative ordeal because one hasn't been sent your way.

"#2 - You give up too soon. Christianity - which still dominates our mainstream culture - presents the Damascus Road conversion of Saul as the model for spiritual transformation. Sometimes, it really is that quick and that permanent. More often, transformation is slow and gradual.

"#3 - You reject the offer."

"Courage is not having no fear. Courage is being legitimately concerned about real risks and then doing what needs to be done anyway."