The Thin Places

The other day I had an episode of déjà vu so intense and prolonged that I thought I was going to step into another realm. At the time, I was sleep-deprived and the air in my kitchen was very warm which probably made the overwhelming familiarity grip me for the length of time it did. I felt other-worldly with a knowledge of something that was near but just past my grasp. The episode didn’t leave me shaken but made me think of other times when I have felt in touch with something real but beyond my vision.

Recently, I’ve been reading about “thin places” which are moments in our lives when we feel very close to something divine, whether it’s a loved one who is gone or a joyful closeness to something holy. I’ve read that some have described thin places as being very near to the unseen veil that separates us from perfect knowledge and understanding.

I believe there are times in our lives when we visit the Thin Place more often. Maybe as we get older, the veil becomes transparent enough for us to “see” things we would not have had true awareness of before. I know I bump up against the Thin Place when I experience a dream where I am lucky enough to be greeted by a loved one who is no longer here on earth. These are fleeting dreams and I welcome them whenever they come.

In my waking life, I often hover near the veil of the Thin Place when I am with someone that I enjoy very much. Having lunch with old friends whose faces I have known since childhood make me feel that heaven and earth are but steps away from each other. And I think you’ve felt it too…maybe it was when you heard a beautiful song you had forgotten and suddenly, your heart sprung open. Maybe the musician’s soul called out to yours and instantly, you loved everyone and everything. This summer I visited the base of a mountain and as I held my little grandson’s hand and we looked up to the snowy top together, the sounds of the woods and dale were drowned out and I forgot everything I ever knew in a moment of bliss. I was at the Thin Place, where we live outside the touch of time.

Now that I am familiar with the concept of the thin places, I seek out the awe as often as I can. But because I want things I can hold and not just touch, I am careful with whom I spend time with. Gone are the days when I was shoved together with co-workers I couldn’t trust. Now I can choose kindred spirits who also know thin places are places that one can come away from changed and new.

I love the ballet but this season instead of seeing The Nutcracker again, I found a series of concerts in a local church lit only by candlelight. Perhaps I will see the Thin Place there, only just…and in time for Christmas.

When the veil between worlds lift, we know that we are in a perfect place, if only for a moment. The lines drawn between now and then are washed away and we are home.

I encourage you to seek out thin places and look for the divine in those you spend time with and the things you spend your time on. Embrace your dreams and also understand that departed loved ones are closer than you know…