Be Present. Experience the Now.

This morning, the autumn colors are glorious and the scent of rain mixed with fallen leaves stirs my spirit. Rather than groan at the cool, rainy weather, I feel invigorated and thankful to be experiencing this moment as I embrace it fully.  I give thanks for the gift of life, for the simple ability to take a deep, full breath and drink in the beauty of now.

I suppose I’m especially appreciative of the autumn colors and rain because my husband and I journeyed back from the New Mexico desert less than a week ago. We drove for 30 hours, leaving behind the breathtaking mountainscapes, cacti and warm, dry air for the pastoral beauty of the heartland and the gradual emergence of glorious autumn colors as we approached home.

Coming home is always a celebration-a place that holds our memories and reminds us of all that we have been; a touchstone for one’s life, I suppose.  Although we have left behind loved ones in New Mexico, which makes me sad, we have family here.  I am connected to this place and to this now moment.

Now is all we ever have, really.  Possessions and people connect us to memories, but the past only exists in our minds.  History books chronicle what has happened, but the only true reality is this very moment that flows continually into the next.

The future as well, can only be a thought in our minds.  This week, as we anticipate a very important election in the midst of a pandemic and economic crisis, it is more important than ever before to stay grounded and present.  There is so much anxiety in the air, it is almost palpable, but we need to remind ourselves that we are not to put our trust in the rulers of this world, but in a far greater Power.  Whatever the outcome this week, I will stay grounded, trusting that God will carry us through.

Breathing deeply and slowly, I focus all my senses on this now moment-
the world is a symphony

 

 

Vessels of Light

 

It is early morning, just before sunrise. The mountains are outlined in the rosy pink of dawn and I step outside into the morning chill to breathe deeply and give thanks.

I am thankful for my time here, in beautiful New Mexico, far away from home, creating precious bonds with family.  I am thankful for the loveliness everywhere, even in the midst of such turmoil in our country and the world.  I utter a prayer for world and national healing…from Covid-19, from racism, hatred and division. 

I am suddenly acutely aware of my own need to ask forgiveness -- my  heart is filled with unkind feelings towards those in power who have brought us to this period of unrest.  I feel, as many do, that there is a certain poetic justice in recent events, but my own thoughts make me aware of the darkness that lurks within and I turn away.

My duty as a Spiritual Being, is to be a vessel of Light and to do my best to bring that Light into the world and spread it around.  I cannot allow myself to harbor hatred, fear and pessimism, because then I am only adding to the problem and making myself ill in the process.

Help me God, this day, to release all that is not of you and to pray instead that I would manifest the fruits of the spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”.

I pray that these same fruits would lift our nation up and bring us to a place of peace and unity.

Today, I embrace all that is good and become a vessel of Light...