Mulberry!

That is what “morula” means. If you are wondering why I would be thinking about mulberries- or morulas- then let me explain. In January’s newsletter, I wrote about patterns and how they have influenced my life. And how events and the time of life I am in have pushed the untangling of patterns to the front of my awareness.

The pattern I’ve been exploring most recently is from early embryological development. Morula is the name of the embryological stage (3-4 days from conception) when the fertilized egg has undergone multiple cell divisions (mitosis) until it contains anywhere from 16-32 totipotent cells, and the pressure inside the Zona Pellucida, the outer protective shell, becomes so great that transformation must occur.

Development is just like that in fact! We change and grow and learn and absorb new experiences and then when we cannot fill up any further, there is a pause, a stillness, the calm before the storm, the darkest hour before dawn, and then the new form bursts forth- like the butterfly from the cocoon. The stillness, the dark and fallow tunnel can be scary- especially as we cannot see the light-yet!

These patterns of growth, the plateau of stillness, and new growth breaking through are constant and ever evolving for as long as we live and breathe. We are all part of nature’s cycles, and in this I find repose.

So may your February be whatever you need it to be. As the days grow longer and bring more light into our lives, there is such a need for light and hope in the world. May you have and may you bring more light, hope, and love into yours!

Namaste,
Dr. Ellyce DiPaola