Sunday, December 3, 2017

Reflection and Gratitude


“Truly, it is in darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest of all to us.” ~ Meister Eckhart

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” ~ Cicero

This is the season of reflection. As we move toward the end of the year and winter, we reflect on that which is passing and evaluate the experiences that have invited us to go deeper. Some of these have brought gratitude and blessing while others have taken us into the shadow, to sadness and grief. Evolution is not stagnant. It requires change. When we can feel gratitude for the situations in our life that are uncomfortable, that invite us to go deeper into our soul’s journey, perhaps into the Void, we can be encouraged that we are evolving and changing.

For many people reflection brings the grief of loss. Perhaps it’s the loss of a loved one or it can be the end of a dream. The current climate of conflict throughout the world contributes to the collective fear and a sense of loss and hopelessness. If we aren’t conscious about reframing our thoughts and feelings, we can get lost in the despair.

How can we take the higher ground and become part of the dreamers who are choosing to co-create a positive shift? How can we reframe our thoughts, words, and actions to a higher perspective? What healing path do we want to focus on to become part of the solution? What needs to be healed within our own being? How does the chaos in the world reflect our own inner demons?

In this time of uncertainty, how do we move forward? How do we release old stories that no longer serve us and open to new dreams and visions of being in the world? We have to look past the political and environmental climate of fear in order to participate in co-creating a new paradigm, a future for our planet and our descendants.

If we shift our lens, can we follow our soul’s longing to discover our true purpose in this lifetime? What yearnings deep within you have yet to be revealed? Do you feel in balance within and without? What are your gifts and talents that are longing to be expressed?

During this holiday season, I invite you to look around and reflect on more than your fears. Change the old paradigm by choosing to join with like-minded souls who also believe they are here with purpose and want to be part of the solution. Pray. Write. Reach out to others. Reach out to people who live consciously and with hope. Reach out to others who have a vision of creating change. Gather together and celebrate the beauty of Mother Earth and this life we are offered.

“The winter solstice has always been special to me as a barren darkness that gives birth to a verdant future beyond imagination, a time of pain and withdrawal that produces something joyfully inconceivable, like a monarch butterfly masterfully extracting itself from the confines of its cocoon, bursting forth into unexpected glory.” ~ Gary Zukav

Happy Holiday blessings to All!
Gretchen Crilly McKay