Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true ~ Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Genesis…It is the beginning…Starting over with a new year. We are all looking forward with hope and making plans for wonderful changes in our life. We get excited about turning over a new leaf and starting a new story.
What are we going to take with us on the new journey? Are we going to travel lightly or are we going to drag all the baggage that we own along with us to slow us down. We all collect baggage…physical possessions, emotional hurts, and habits that slow us down.
What would happen if we made a list of the things that no longer serve a purpose in our lives and let them go? The question that I ask is…does this have real meaning for me or is it artificial.
Is this something real that serves a purpose I want to keep and use forever or is it a plastic artificial thing that is just filling space. The goal is to eliminate the artificial to make room for the real in every area of our lives.
What if we made a list of the emotional events that have occurred in our lives and looked at what we learned and the good that came from experiencing those events? Then we could say, “Thank you God” and let go of the emotions surrounding these events.
What if we made a list of the foods that we eat for a week and look at the ingredients? The question is the same…is this real naturally grown food or is it an artificial replacement that is filling space inside my body.
What if we made a list of the words that we spoke for a week and look at what comes out of our mouth? Those words make up our personal belief systems. Is our value system real or artificial?
Gossip: Good spit. The worst insult one person can inflict on another is to spit on them or their possessions.
Gospel: Good news. Inspiring, uplifting and loving words are real.
The belief system in “lack” or “not enough” is false gossip. This false belief system is the foundation to filling the space in our lives with artificial possessions, drama, food and words. This is the basis for cravings and addictions.
When our lives are filled and overflowing with artificial baggage, there isn’t any space left for real good. Before the good or prosperity can come into our lives we must “Let Go” of all that no longer serves a purpose and make room.
Nothing can live in a vacuum. When we let go of all that does not serve us, it creates a vacuum in our lives. Then all the “real” things we desire have space to live.
The Burning Bowl Ceremony
Ceremonies are commitment rituals that seal our intention. The burning bowl is a ceremony where the above list of things which we wish to eliminate from our lives is blessed for the wisdom that it has brought us and burned. Then we complete a list of real changes that will replace the artificial in our lives and bless our commitment to making these changes.
Living Well Support Group
What if…every Church and community had a Living Well Support Group which was open to everyone on a love offering basis? Each week, there would be a different practical instructive program on wellness through environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment. Wellness is a learned skill that must be practiced daily and what better place to learn this skill than a loving support group.
Love, Light & Lots of Laughter…Joa
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