spiraling continuity

The phrase “spiraling continuity” has personal meaning and relevance in the work I share. The symbolic significance of spirals is often associated with centering, balance, initiation, journeying, expanding awareness, interconnectivity, progress, holistic growth, and letting go. I also associate spirals with recognizable moments of serendipity and synchronicity.

The phrase “spiraling continuity” emerged as a spontaneous utterance during my execution of an ensö circle. The ensö circle is a stroke of the brush in the contemplative art of calligraphy. The practice of executing an ensö circle is a tradition incorporated into the final moments of the graduation ceremony within the contemplative education program at Naropa University. For the purposes of graduation, it signifies the completion of a personal journey before venturing into the world; however, no personal journey is ever complete in my opinion (just like a spiral). As it happens, “spiraling continuity” is also the title of the concluding chapter in my master’s thesis paper, a passionate endeavor that continues to inform my work with the autism community. While both of these events are often thought to be endings, I view them as new beginnings in the continuous spiraling journey of my personal transformation. I believe all beings everywhere are likewise developing and growing through a series of overlapping spirals that ought to be cultivated and nourished with care and compassion.