The Sun Sets on Another Year -- Adios, 2017
Another tumultuous year is behind us. My words written at the end of 2016 seem as apropos today as they did 12 months ago.
“Give up the last year. Get rid of all those things of the mundane world. Make room for the awareness of a whole new spiritual understanding that will carry you throughout the next year.” Gregge Tiffen (The Winter Solstice: Giving To Yourself, December 2007)
“… and when you have the willingness to accept who you are, you become aware of an internal flame that burns with a fire that is unquenchable. It’s your acceptance that dispels fears and inadequacies.” Gregge Tiffen (Open Secrets: Sacred Passageways, December 2011)
As the year winds to a close, we tend to look back on that year, its joys, its sorrows, what we accomplished, where we may have fallen short. Hopefully our review list includes acknowledging all that we learned from the opportunities and events that life presented.
As 2017 ends, many will breathe a sigh of relief that it is finally over and a breath of hope for better days in year ahead. Some look ahead with dread. These are what draw our attention when we focus on the world outside of us, the world we live IN but the world we are not OF.
The world we live in seems chaotic and uncertain. It is. But within each of us is a seed of understanding who we truly are. Nurturing that seed grows our faith in our capacity to be resilient in the face of the world’s chaos. Perhaps we need it now more than ever.
The seed of faith is within us all. It is faith not in something outside of us. Rather it is faith in who we are, each as an individual, integral part of an intelligent Universe. It is a reminder that life is so much more than we experience and observe each and every day.
As you ring in 2018, I invite you to join me in nourishing your seed of faith in the 365 days that lie ahead.
Perhaps this prayer, one of my favorites of Gregge’s writing, will support you to deepen your faith in you and in understanding just how important you are in the Universal scheme of things.
Let me never forget how important I am to the Universal Picture. Without me there would be a blank space where there should be color.
Let me understand that the challenges of life are just that and not battles. I am not out there to win or to loose, only to develop my skills as an on-going student in an omnipotent school.
Let me understand that the difference between people is one of the wondrous realities of an infinite Universe. Giving those differences space to be is far more important than comparing them to my set of beliefs.
Let me be proud of what I do. To whatever my hand touches, let me remind myself that it was my effort that added to the result. Perfection is not my goal. Creativity is.
Let me remind myself that most of what I take seriously about myself also qualifies for a good laugh. Let me remember to be kind to myself. Loving companions are one of life’s treats, but they are not responsible for my care. Self-kindness can heal almost any hurt.
Let me take responsibility as a gift and not a burden. Within that effort is the grandest sense of accomplishment I could achieve.
Let me be patient with life. Nature does not produce the flower before the roots have taken hold. If I recognize that the place I am in is the right place at the right time, it will always be the right place at the right time.
Gregge Tiffen (The Significance of Beginning, January 2007)
... and A Road To the New Year Soon Begins