The 40 days to Oneness and Global Oneness Day by Anakha Coman and James Twyman

The Crucible of Oneness

“Lord, lock me up in the deepest depths of your heart; and then, holding me there, burn me, purify me, set me on fire, sublimate me, till I become utterly what you would have me be.”

— Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

“Alchemy is the art of manipulating life, and consciousness in matter, to help it evolve, or to solve problems of inner disharmonies.”
— Jean Dubuis

“The time has come to turn your heart into a temple of fire. Your essence is gold hidden in dust. To reveal its splendor you need to burn in the fire of love.”
— Rumi

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Exercise

In the crucible of Oneness, love’s all-consuming and all-transforming fire is fueled with your desire, devotion, heartbreak, and longing, as well as your grievances, fear, and outrage. Absolutely everything is offered to the alchemizing presence and power of Divine Love. When you embrace the crucible of Oneness, you become willing to receive God’s healing grace, knowing that God will do for you what you cannot do for yourself.

Einstein said that you can’t solve a problem at the same level of consciousness in which it was created. In the crucible of Oneness, you surrender your personal shadow sourced in fear and separation. You place it on the Divine altar and answer yes when asked if you’re willing to be healed and transformed. This is the moment of your full surrender into Oneness, into the purifying fire of Divine Love.

Today’s practice requires you to set time aside to pray for your surrender into the crucible of Oneness. You’ll need at least 30 minutes. Gather your writings from Practice 21 (“The Shadow of Oneness”), as well as a candle and a bowl that’s safe to use for burning. You’ll also need a pen and more paper if you aren’t using your journal. Create your own sacred space with these items.

Begin by relaxing your body and becoming aware of your breath. Light the candle and gaze into the warm, flickering flame. Allow its soft glow to bring you into a calm, centered, and open state. Feel the presence. Breathe in and breathe out. Notice your emotions and any bodily sensations. Bring your awareness to your heart. Feel your willingness to enter into deeper union with your true self, with God, with others, and with all of life. Feel the presence. Breathe in and breathe out. Will yourself to surrender; feel your longing for union increase and strengthen. Let it enfold your heart and spread throughout your body . . . permit it to infuse your entire being.

Become aware of the pain you’ve experienced in the illusion of separation and isolation. Feel your deep desire for release from this prison. Feel your wishes to be free. Feel the presence. Breathe in and breathe out. All that is required in this moment is your heartfelt surrender to the Divine. You’re being asked to withdraw your investment in separation and be restored in Oneness. Become reborn and renewed in the crucible of Oneness.

Now gather your writing from the earlier practice of the shadow of Oneness. Press the pages and all that they hold to your heart. Breathe in, breathe out. Feel the presence of God as you gaze at the flame in front of you. Feel your heart open as you begin whispering the words that are rising on your lips. In the sanctity of this space, through your soul’s prayer, surrender. Give all to the All. Surrender the old life you’ve known, a life sourced in separation. Hold nothing back. Receive the blessings of a life lived in Oneness.

Place the pages you’ve been holding close to your heart in the bowl. Remain in this mind-set and now pick up your journal. Write down your prayers and statements of surrender or, if you prefer, remain in silence and stillness. Keep your writings in the bowl on your altar. (You’ll return to them during the next practice.)

Continue to offer your prayers of surrender to the Divine, entering ever more deeply into the crucible of Oneness.

Affirmation

I AM surrendering myself and my life to the all-consuming, all-purifying fire of the Divine.