December 21, 2014

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Winter Solstice, and White New Moon

The fourth and final week of advent begins today. This is the day to take a deep breath and go back to the beginning, back to the Spirit that brings me to this place of light and grace; back to living in the Spirit, being Spirit. This simple fact of being  defines my essential self. 

I am often distracted by my experiences, relationships, and thinking, and I forget to enjoy the being of now! When I relax and allow myself to rest in the Now, I am re-awakened to an amazing quality of aliveness. I remember then that happiness comes in calm simplicity. I experience Spirit through each breath, sight, sound, smell, and taste.

And winter solstice occurs today at 3:03 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This is the moment of new beginnings- the darkest time, with the brightest hope. Ancient farmers lit fires on the night of the solstice to celebrate the birthday of the sun; solstice fire traditions continue all over the world. This a good occasion to honor the sun, and remember that in spite of our technology, we are still dependent on the sun for life. Our world does revolve around the sun!

Tonight is the new moon as well; the Chinese call the eleventh new moon the White Moon, perhaps because it brings the snow. The new moon is my monthly time for “seeding” intentions. I write down what I hope to focus on in the next 30 days or so, and then give my ideas a period of gestation, like seeds in the soil, before I take action. Having this regular time each month to focus my goals has helped to give me clarity of purpose.

This is the last new moon before the new year, so I have a lot to consider.

Agenda:
1. 
New moon meditation and prayer:
Light a small white candle. Center, and feel myself fill with thankfulness for all I have now in my life.

Continue to sit this morning, and feel the presence of Spirit within me and without me. Just notice my feelings and sensations, and listen for guidance.

2. Journal:
What is my inner Guide leading me towards?
What might give my life more wholeness?
What are my next steps in life?

List my intentions for the next month in these areas-

Self, Friends and Family, Teaching, Artwork, Writing, Home and Garden, Work/Business, and Volunteer work.

3. Advent wreath ceremony:
Tonight (and every night this week through Christmas day) we will light four advent candles, and recite four prayers:
"We light the first candle for the earth, which sustains us. May we cherish and care for it."

"We light the second candle for all the people of the world. May we find unity and peace."

"We light the third candle for our family and the joy and love we bring each other."

"We light the fourth candle for the Spirit of God in each of us, which is our guiding light."

4. Plan activities:
This week my focus is the Spirit of God, my guide and my light.  I try to live all of my life with attention on God but the busy-ness of my days often distracts me and gets in the way. I want to have a more effectual connection to Spirit, and so this week I will practice and improve my prayer habits. Prayer can be simple and spontaneous, and I can pray anywhere, at any time. I will strive to create a relationship rather than practice an empty ritual.

Things to do this week to give attention to the Spirit of God:
  • Each morning as I wake, pause to take a slow breath, and center on Spirit. Stay in this gentle meditation as I get dressed, walk Sadie, and move through my morning.
  • Sit every day for a few minutes of silence. Simply practice feeling a presence.
  • Remember to give thanks.
  • Send prayers to others. Pray that God’s love and protection will reach out and surround my loved ones, and all the people of the world.
  • Listen for guidance.
  • Pray all day: Pray as I walk, as I go about the work of the day, before I eat- just concentrate on the Spirit’s presence and say a simple phrase to keep us in communication.
5. Have a fire:
Tonight, the darkest night, I honor the sun as demonstration of the Divine Power. If it wasn't pouring rain we would have a fire in our fire pit outside, but as it is (having no fireplace inside), we will light candles instead. We will light the advent wreath, the Hanukkah candles, the angel chimes, and some of the the new candles I made last week.


No comments:

Post a Comment