| Thursday, February 09, 2006 |
| Spirituality in the 21st Century |
It seems that these times we are living in are more stress filled than years before. Why is that you may be asking? Very simply, according to the Mayan, Hopi and Najajo calendars, time as we know it is shifting in a major way. There is the belief that these next few years until 2012 will be filled with increasing challenges, thereby producing the stress. 2012 siginifes the shifting of time as we know it. Certainly all of the computerized products we now have at our disposal in the western world has created the illusion of time speeding up, when in fact, it hasn't, it is the appearance due to all the electronic gadgets that occupy much of our time.
So, where does spirituality fit into this equation? Very simply, it is there calling you quietly to find a space within yourself where you can really let go and relax, surrender, and when in doubt be able to do without!! It is that place referred to as the stillness within, the holiest of holies, and when you are there, very often you don't want to leave that space for it is so comforting. Yet, the world calls and we come back out...and no matter what we face, there is a spiritual way of doing it.
Recognize that all experiences while temporary will help us to grow in grace. Realize that you are not in charge but rather a witness to what is being created. We always have a choice of how to respond. Anything we resist will persist, and so rather than run away from something trying to get your attention, face it and ask what is the gift hidden therein?? The more we can learn to do this in the days ahead, the more we will be able to handle whatever dramas or traumas emerge...
It has been said the time is now and if not you, who?, and if not now, when? Did Gandhi foresee our roles changing when he admonished us to be the change we wish to see in the world, and could he have foreseen the timeliness of that mandate? In closing, spirtuality is as natural as breathing air. It is who you are, your soul essence presented to the world. It is acting out of integrity and honesty, being without judgement and having full compassion to realize, there but for the grace of God go I. |
posted by Dr Deri @ 11:39 AM  |
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| Monday, January 30, 2006 |
| What We Take For Granted |
The calendar tells me it is time for a quarterly update. However, my heart tells me it is time for a reality check. I am privileged in that I get to work with young adults part time, actually they are teenagers. I say it is a privilege because they are great teachers. Recently I had the opportunity to interact with a young woman who just returned from a hospital that helps children who have a rare form of cancer. I had not seen her in months and she looks so emaciated and not well. I hugged her and told her how great it was to see her again. She sat on the couch in my office because she did not feel well. I asked her if she met other children where she was and her reply was that she was so sick she does not remember anything due to all the chemo her body has had to undergo. Then she added that her Doctor told her that it is best she cannot remember, because she was so sick. She actually told me she has a very hard time remembering anything now. She also feels sick and in pain very often. How do you comfort someone like that? I gave her my snoopy dog to hug and told her I loved her and said she is very brave while we waited for her Dad to come and take her to the Doctor.
Once again, I was reminded how much I have to be grateful for. When God, Spirit, the Universe brings me opportunities such as these, I am truly blessed. So it makes me wonder, as we prepare to bid goodbye to the summer, and welcome the phase known as Indian summer, depending on where we are geographically positioned, how much have we practiced gratitude for all that works well in our lives? It is so easy to take our health for granted, and then when we see those less fortunate than us, do we ask, how can I help? Or, do we say a silent prayer that intimates "there but for the grace of God go I?"
Another young adult, this time a teenage boy who is partially paralyzed and on crutches is another great teacher. I shared with him just today how I use him as an example for the fact that every day he has to move his body with crutches, and it takes him longer than others to get where he is going. Yet, with all of his limitations, he smiles a lot and has said on many occassions, "all is well." How many of us can say that, all is well, even when we have our health?
My intention in this reflection is not to create guilt, but gratitude. Many people have said how important gratitude is, however the real feeling of gratitude is found in experiencing it. So, as we move forward in time, my hope is that we are able to greet each day as a lesson. I often prepare my mind each morning for the kind of day I would like to create, and I am open to learning what will make me even more grateful.
I hope these musings have inspired you in some small way. For those of you who are interested, we are beginning a spiritual support group in mid September. Please see the information attached for the number to call to register. Although the first group is open to women, the intention is to create groups for both men and women together. I wish everyone a sacred, special time in these coming months. |
| posted by Dr Deri @ 7:32 AM |
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Dr. Deri Ronis Dr Deri
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