Freakchylde's

Today I attended Church to write my paper on universal spirituality. I found it quite enjoyable and have posted it here for any who wish, to read.

I’ve been to services of various Christian denominations in my early years, but have never been to an Episcopal service. I chose this denomination because of its relation to Catholicism and the fact that I’ve always enjoyed full rituals vs. the style of preaching utilized in the American Protestant churches. To add to that, my experience in the Christian church is very limited. I was not raised Christian and attended the few services through the filter of my parents and what sermons they felt appropriate for my brother and I to witness. Because of that history, I’ve never really “experienced” a service as much as I was just attending one.

I arrived at St. Philip’s about 15 minutes ahead of time, to find my way around, gain some information on the specific service, customs and get a general acquaintance with the environment. I found the stone frame and building to be quite appropriate and very resonant with the energies that were flowing within. It was much the same energy feel that I found in the Basilic de Santa Paolo in Rome. Hit very hard in my chest area and resonated throughout my body. I began to meditate a bit, during the choir rehersal, to center as I normally do for the rituals I attend. I opened myself up, so that I could feel the energies of both place and spirit. As preparation ended and the procession began, I found it quite interesting to see the diffuser for the incense and smell the familiar scent of frankinscense and myrrh. For me, that was an assistant in letting my body know to let go and ritual was beginning. Throughout the majority of the service, I kept my eyes closed. Allowing the sounds and energies to penetrate my body. The Officiant sang all his words with the only speaking parts relegated to the Canon and the “Lesson”.

I can’t say that I really listened to any of the words. Most of them I couldn’t understand, due to the acoustics and the style of singing. So I gave my ears a break because it would be too distracting for me. After the first half of the service, the blessings were passed in the manner of casting the incense diffuser at each section of the clergy/laity, the choir, and then each section of pews. I found these actions to be quite familiar, enjoyable, and relaxing. As the service progressed, I became aware that the pains in my body weren’t really there anymore. My shoulder twitched a bit, but relaxed to the point it wasn’t a distraction. This was very much familiar territory and realized I was in liminal space.

One of the aspects I found most enjoyable, and the reason I chose St. Philip’s, was the organ. The stone architecture allowed for a wonderful reverberation of each chord without clashing with those still echoing. I felt each chakra bouncing with each note, and as I continued with my eyes closed, I could feel myself falling away in a spiral. Very much felt like I was on some sort of spinning ride, with the gravity falling away and my body floating in a fast circular motion.

In a short time, I realized that I was absorbing too much. My head began to pound and I felt my sinus’ contracting. Fortunately, I was not feeling ill to my stomach. I was tempted at times to shield, however, I’m a slight junkie in this respect and did not. I was enjoying the feeling of openness, and I wanted to make sure that I experienced the full ceremony, instead of just watching as I did as a child. The service ended the same way it began with the processional of clergy, laity, choir and relics.

Following the service, the organist continued with a piece by J.S. Bach. As I come from a family of organists, I decided to pay them respect by listening. It was a bit uncomfortable, as I slowly realized it was the movement of the organ that was giving me a sensory overload. Music is the messenger for the gods and this service had plenty of it, of course, it was the reason I chose the Evensong service instead of the Eucharist. I decided to pass on the organ and flute recital afterwards, my body had its fill and was in dire need of grounding. Another thing I’ve noticed about myself, is my appetite after spending an hour in liminal space. My sugar level drops off (I don’t notice this until I ground out) and I’m extremely hungry.

Overall, I’m tempted to continue in partaking in the Evensong service at St. Philip’s. It was a beautiful sermon and ritual, even though it wasn’t in Latin.

In other news, I need to decide on a new colour for my hair. I found a nifty colour of fuschia and I am considering colouring my hair black again, only with fuschia streaks instead of red. The other alternative is red with fuschia streaks. I just need something that will be fairly corporate friendly.