Navigating the Storms

We live in a scary time, no question about it. This morning, while meditating, I felt the energy of it and had a vision of being in a boat in the midst of a storm, rocking to and fro as the waves crashed around me.  Although I've never driven a boat before, I imagined I was steering and trying to stay the course, feeling strong and solid at my core while all around me the world was thrashing amid the turmoil of the mighty storm.

I found strength in this vision, as I remembered the gospel story about how afraid the disciples were during a storm on the sea. Jesus rebuked them for being of little faith while uttering the phrase that has calmed the hearts of many: "Peace, be still", as the waves ceased their crashing and all became quiet.

I will cling to this vision in the days and weeks ahead, as the virus rages on across America, protests continue and the very fabric of our democracy is threatened by autocratic-like federal troops waging war in our cities.  Certainly, we have been through periods of civil unrest, pandemics, and government mistreatment of citizens before, but somehow this feels different.

 I hope that I am wrong... I have faith that love and justice will prevail, that good people of conscience in our government will fight to preserve our democracy, and that we will once again emerge stronger, better, with a renewed sense of purpose for the future of our country and our planet.

I do know that, through the storms, I will keep my focus on the Light that permeates all and brings hope to all.  I will continue to listen to the still small voice that is the Divine within and will stay the course or change course as I am guided. Give me strength for this day, for each day as it unfolds.

Listen

This morning, I am reminded to listen carefully.  I sit outside on my deck bordering the woods, close my eyes and hear a chorus of joyful birdsong, the rustle of leaves through the trees and the distant sound of a dog barking.  I sense the earth rejoicing after the soaking rain that broke a weeks long spell of heat and drought.

The message that seems to come is that this moment will never happen again, so I should be still, listen and enter into it fully.  I open my eyes and see a pattern of clouds and blue sky, a glint of sun on rain kissed leaves; a slight stirring of wind that orchestrates a dance of movement and light through the life that surrounds and flows through me.

I see that each moment is sacred, if we stop and enter into the space between time, opening our eyes to the Divine within and all around. 

I see that it is important to live carefully, with all our senses, giving our full attention to what is before us. 

I see that really listening to others is a skill of sensitivity and empathy that allows us to enter into their realm of experience with an open heart and to respond thoughtfully.

My prayer for today is that I would be fully present, releasing any attachment to ego or vanity, letting go of all judgment and desire to control and embracing the new morning joyfully.

Breathe deeply, enter into the sacred space of the eternal present and choose joy

Overcome Fear with Faith

"Do not be afraid", "Fear not", and "Do not worry" are commands that are given many times in the bible.  They are always spoken in the context of a comforting message: : "I have good news"; "I will help you"; "I will strengthen you"; "Be of good cheer".  Our fear can be overcome, if we walk right through it in faith.

Yes, we are living in scary times...the constant threat of Covid 19 and the economic uncertainty that surrounds it, police brutality, racial injustice, nationwide protests, militia groups acting as vigilantes and the political divisions that create discord between us.  But love and faith are powerful antidotes.

I recently traveled by air to visit my daughter and her family in New Mexico.  I was afraid to fly on a plane and walk through the airport, but my desire to see my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter overrode my fear.  So I bought an N-95 mask, wrapped my head in a scarf  and visualized myself in a protective bubble of white light.

I arrived in Albuquerque the day after protesters had been shot by a militia group.  The city was boarded up; shops and restaurants were closed.  Throughout New Mexico, wildfires raged and the air was smoky, dusty and hot.  But when my daughter, her husband and my sweet little granddaughter came to pick me up, my joy overrode all and my fear dissipated.  We drove two hours to their beautiful rock house on a hill with its mountain views and well tended gardens where all seemed well and we spent a lovely ten days together.

Certainly, all is not well in the world and we all experience fear, especially now.  But we have been assured that if we walk right through our fear, going on prayerfully (but not foolishly) in spite of it, trusting that we will be cared for, we will be strengthened and filled with "good cheer".

Breathe, breathe in the air, don't be afraid to care...Pink Floyd